1. The position of EFFAT concerning seasonal work

2. Sectoral seasonal work Agriculture 6.8 Million workers –4 Million of them are seasonal workers Tourism Agriculture and tourism are the most concerned sectors for seasonal work in Europe!

3. Definition of seasonal work For Agriculture: it must be shorter then 6 month – because with 2 times 6 month employers change a normal production to seasonal production Anti-discrimination: a seasonal worker has to have the same rights like other workers – incl. holidays, health care, training …

4. Problems of seasonal workers Ratio national / EU / international seasonal workers Access to pension schemes (qualifying times) Transfer of pensions Practical access to information (language barrier) Often inadequate accommodation Practical involvement in local systems of health and safety personal economic prospects Care of children and families Access to jobs Definition of employer

5. Ratio national / EU / international seasonal workers Seasonal work is mainly in low-wage sectors to be –Not interesting enough for local workers –Permanent employment is more desirable than seasonal work International seasonal workers are cheaper for employers: –They want a lot of money in a short time to earn (often national working rules run) –They are little informed about their rights and accept the unacceptable situations faster –They can be employed in piece-work systems

6. Pension systems Qualifying times are too long –About 3 months work, the workers pays, but receives no benefits, because the national systems require 6 months minimum work per year Low pensions expire –Minimum pensions are not transmitted to the country of origin Conclusion: the seasonal workers pay and get nothing

7. Housing We need an European frame about minimum standards for housing

8. Information Seasonal workers find a lack of information in their languages – concerning health and safety structures, social security, tax systems, labour laws… Example: Health and safety systems are existing, but only in the language of the local work place. The seasonal workers don’t understand the structure, but in the case of an accident the employer shows a signature from the seasonal worker that he was educated in the health and safety structure FAZIT Seasonal workers need practical information in their languages – where legal relations are created the source of the system has to produce this information in the languages of the seasonal workers

9. EQUAL TREATEMENT a) Working conditions, including pay, dismissals and H&S b) freedom of association and related rights and benefits c) education and vocational training d) recognition of diplomas, certificates and other professional qualifications e) branches of social security when exercising free movement f) payment of acquired pensions when moving to a third country g) tax benefits h) access to goods and services and the supply of goods and services made available to the public including procedures for obtaining housing and the assistance afforded by employment offices

10. More information: www.effat.org www.agri-migration.eu www.agri-info.eu Contacts : k.howald@effat.org l.filip@effat.org a.spahn@effat.org