Situation of temporary agency workers from Poland and other Central and Eastern European countries in EU Member States

Question for written answer  E-000283/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Bogdan Rzońca (ECR)

The enlargement of the EU to include the countries of Central and Eastern Europe led to a marked increase in the number of temporary agency workers. Economic migrants from these countries are an essential pillar of the economy of every EU country. The biggest beneficiaries of Polish labour migration between 2014 and 2020 were the economies of Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and France. Strong global competition increases the need for cheaper labour, leading to a higher risk of exploitation in sectors traditionally affected by this problem, such as agriculture and construction.

Directive 2008/104/EC[1] was adopted to ensure the protection of temporary agency workers and improve the quality of temporary agency work by applying the principle of equal treatment to workers employed by temporary work agencies. The legislation in force aims to ensure as much freedom as possible to make use of the flexibility of temporary agency work, while taking into account the welfare of those providing it and respecting their rights.

• 1.Does the Commission see a need to increase specialisation and intensify cross-border cooperation in all areas of possible exploitation of temporary agency workers from Central and Eastern Europe in the countries of the old Union?
• 2.What action is the Commission taking to improve the situation for temporary agency workers with regard to compliance with minimum wage conditions and the application of health, safety and accommodation standards by temporary work agencies operating in Western European countries?

• [1] OJ L 327, 5.12.2008, pp. 9-14.