Sittings · Document
On addressing subcontracting chains and the role of intermediaries in order to protect workers’ rights
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs · Rapporteur: Johan Danielsson
The resolution addresses labour exploitation in subcontracting chains and by labour intermediaries, calling for an EU strategy, clearer rules, and stronger enforcement.¶¶ It asks the Commission to consider a framework limiting subcontracting, introducing joint and several liability, and regulating labour intermediaries.¶¶¶ It urges better labour inspections, cross-border cooperation, and sanctions, including mutual recognition of trading prohibitions.¶¶¶
Committee position. The Committee on Employment and Social Affairs proposes a resolution calling for EU action to prevent labour exploitation, improve enforcement, and sanction abuses in subcontracting and labour intermediation.¶¶¶
Key points
- Calls for an EU strategy to combat labour exploitation, including illegal work and organised crime, and welcomes the Commission's fair mobility package for 2026.¶
- Asks the Commission to clarify Member States' possibilities to regulate subcontracting, including limiting chain length and joint liability.¶
- Reiterates calls for a framework directive on employers' obligations in subcontracting chains and labour intermediaries, with measures on liability and transparency.¶¶
- Stresses that EU initiatives should consider best practices, involve social partners, and be tailored to sectors, with lower requirements for low-risk sectors.¶
- Calls for addressing 'financial subcontracting' and encourages direct employment in high-risk sectors where proportionate.¶¶
- Requests a framework to limit subcontracting chains, focusing on high-risk sectors defined by the Commission with Member States and social partners.¶¶
- Calls for measures against fraudulent posting of non-EU nationals and abuse of posting rules, and for ELA to investigate labour intermediaries in postings.¶¶
- Demands that accommodation provided to workers meet quality standards and that inspections include accommodation in high-risk sectors.¶
- Calls for a minimum EU framework for labour intermediaries, including licensing, no fees to workers, and sanctions for violations.¶
- Urges revision of public procurement rules to exclude operators breaching labour and environmental laws, and to improve information in business registers.¶¶
- Calls for strengthening ELA's mandate, increasing labour inspectors, and improving data collection and use of ESSPASS.¶¶¶
- Calls for effective, dissuasive sanctions, mutual recognition of trading prohibitions, and action against strategic bankruptcies.¶¶¶
Who is affected
- Workers in high-risk sectors such as construction, agriculture, transport, and cleaning, who face exploitation and unsafe conditions.¶¶
- Labour intermediaries, including temporary work agencies, would face licensing, transparency, and no-fee requirements.¶
- Contractors and subcontractors in the EU would be subject to potential joint liability and limits on chain length.¶¶
- Public authorities and contracting entities would need to apply new exclusion criteria and consider community benefits.¶¶
- SMEs are noted as needing protection from unfair competition and unnecessary burdens.¶¶
Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text and ¶ links to the paragraph it rests on. Check the text itself before relying on it.