New guidelines for free movement of seasonal workers

Seasonal workers must be able to cross borders smoothly. The European Commission makes this appeal to the various Member States. It also presented a number of additional guidelines.

Mobile workers within the European Union must be able to reach their workplace, the European Commission has announced. This mainly concerns employees in the critical professions who help fight the corona virus, but seasonal workers in the agricultural sector are also explicitly named. 

free movement
Monday 30 March are additional guidelines published identifying a range of workers for whom continued free movement in the EU is considered essential. The European Commission is urging Member States to put in place specific, free and rapid procedures to ensure smooth passage for these workers. labor shortage should be avoided as much as possible.

“It involves thousands of women and men who work hard to keep us safe, healthy and provide enough food,” said EU Commissioner Nicolas Schmit. “They have to cross EU borders to work. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that they are not hindered in doing so. At the same time, we must take all precautions to prevent further spread of the pandemic.”

Critical Employees
With regard to seasonal workers, Member States are requested by the European Commission to exchange information on their different needs. Specific procedures must also be established to guarantee smooth passage for these employees. Seasonal workers sometimes perform essential tasks related to harvesting, planting and caring for crops. In such cases, Member States should treat such persons as critical workers and inform employers of the need to ensure appropriate protection of the health and safety of these persons.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.