The Ministry of Social Affairs published a press release, on February 14, announcing that the Netherlands are ready to open their borders completely, starting March 1, 2007, to workers from the new states belonging to the European Union since May 1, 2004. The Parliament now has to give its consent. Until now, the government had opened the work market to certain sectors only. It had postponed the complete opening because it needed time to take the necessary measures in order to avoid social dumping. (Ref. 070143)
The guarantees that the Parliament and the unions required so that workers from eastern countries do not carry out any social dumping on the labour market were set up : labour inspections will be strengthened; information campaigns on the incurred risks (an 8,000 euros fine) for recruiting an illegal worker, even to perform services at home. The law on minimum wage was amended, in order to make it possible to fine employers who give less than minimum wage. The Parliament, originating from the l
…Do you have information to share with us?