In sectors such as mushrooms and horticulture, Supermarkets vow to only take supplies from growers who work with certified job agencies. Lodewijk Asscher, Minister of Social Affairs, agreed as much with the supermarket industry and LTO.
With the appointment, he wants to combat abuses in the agriculture and horticulture sector. Good employment in this sector means that salaries have to be paid that are in accordance with the collective and the contract agreements, working hours are not exceeded and labour charges are not pressed by illegal constructions. This prevents rogue agencies making money from the exploitation of Eastern European workers. The Social Affairs Inspectorate informed the supermarkets about the working conditions.
In order to tackle cross-border pretence it is imperative that this subject starts moving at EU level. Asscher believes that in Brussels the urgency of the negative effects of labour is insufficiently felt. Dutch efforts to create an effective 'Enforcement Directive' are underway.