Conference | FIGHTING LABOUR EXPLOITATION

Livestream

Recoding in original language

➔ Here you will find the recording of the event in the original language.

Abstract

Within the European Union, citizens are free to choose their place of work and must be treated equally to nationals of the member states in which they work.

This free movement of labour is a fundamental right and a central pillar of the European Union. However, in addition to its many advantages, it also bears the risk of labour exploitation – especially EU citizens from Eastern European countries are among the victims.

Labour exploitation is also a reality in Germany and Berlin – in our midst. Exploitative working conditions systematically undermine fundamental social achievements such as minimum wages, sick pay, protection against dismissal, social security contributions and occupational health and safety. A lack of knowledge of language and law as well as social isolation can prevent those affected from leaving these inhumane work situations.

People are often willing to accept working conditions that fall short of EU standards but are still better than the poverty and unemployment from which they come – or they are deliberately recruited with false promises. In short, labour exploitation involves serious criminal offences and violates the labour and human rights of those affected.

In order to explore how labour exploitation can be better combated and decent work secured, the state of Berlin, represented by the Senate Department for Labour, Social Services, Gender Equality, Integration, Diversity and Anti-Discrimination (SenASGIVA), is hosting an international conference. The exchange between politics, science and practice focuses on positive examples of concepts and measures for protection against labour exploitation. The aim of the conference is to share challenges and solutions across borders.