Exploita­tion has many faces

Those who are unfamiliar with the system are more likely to become victims of legal violations at work. The range of possible violations of labour law is extensive, i.e. evading minimum wage legislation, unjustified wage deductions, unpaid overtime as well as lack of social security and in consequence lack of benefit entitlements. Break times and working hours are disregarded, employee accommodation is cramped and expensive – and those who resist sometimes run the risk of being threatened and even losing their jobs.

Yet Europe means well! The EU has taken important steps towards realising social justice and social security by establishing minimum standards applicable to working conditions. Every employee in Europe has the right to healthy and safe working conditions. However, real working conditions – not only in freight haulage – sometimes contradict this.

Heike Hofmann was in Gräfenhausen at the time and spoke with the drivers. Today, she is Minister for Labour, Integration, Youth and Social Affairs in Hesse. She knows that networking the key actors is required so that the relevant laws can be implemented. This is why her ministry is organising the “Stopping human trafficking and labour exploitation” round table, which will bring together the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Justice as well as the customs authorities, social partners and specialist advisory centres.