European approach to social dumping still allows abuse

The European Parliament has approved the new rules on secondment, but MEP Helga Stevens is reacting to them with mixed feelings: “In the near future, construction workers from Eastern Europe who are seconded to our country will have to get the same pay as Flemish construction workers. This is intended to create a more level playing field. However, one crucial element is missing: these foreign workers will still be able to pay their Social security Social security is currently managed at the Federal level in Belgium. The most important pillars of Belgian social security are: sickness and invalidity insurance (NIDHI), pensions, unemployment insurance and child allowances. In addition, occupational illness, occupational accidents and annual holidays are dealt with at this level. Some Flemish parties have been campaigning for years for (large parts of) social security to be transferred to the Regions and Communities. social security contributions in their country of origin. And to do so for a period of up to five years. It is common knowledge that these contributions in Eastern Europe are a lot lower, and that checks often leave much to be desired. This is not fair on our Flemish employees.”

Equal work, equal pay

The principle of ‘equal pay for equal work in the same place’ plays a central role in the European fight against social dumping. MEP Stevens explains: “That is the primary condition for fair competition between employees. Europe must, however, ensure that this principle can be implemented in a transparent and applicable manner. It cannot be the intention for administrative burdens to destroy our SMEs.”

The maximum period for secondment is being shortened to 12 months, which can be extended to 18 months. Helga Stevens: “It’s a step in the right direction, although I would have preferred a shorter duration of six months for high-risk sectors. That is necessary to tackle the abuse in the Flemish construction and cleaning sectors efficiently,” Helga Stevens says.

Flemish transporters left out in the cold

The transport sector is not covered by this legislation, and Helga Stevens sees that as a missed opportunity: “The transport sector is groaning under abuses. It’s here that new European rules are needed most of all. The Commission rightly believes that special legislation for transport is needed, but because this sector has been completely excluded from this legislation, our Flemish transporters continue to be left out in the cold. It is after all in no way certain that a separate regulation will see the light of day. So for truckers, the principle of ‘equal pay for equal work in the same place’ is not yet a reality.”