Cost of posted workers
29.7.2016
Question for written answer E-006132-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Nadine Morano (PPE)
The Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, Marianne Thyssen, has put forward a proposal to reform the directive on posted workers.
This is a step in the right direction because it will help fight against the abuses and social dumping allowed by the directive as it stands. In particular, it establishes the principle of equal pay for equal work (bonuses and benefits included) and restricts the duration of long-term postings.
Posted workers are the subject of many misconceptions which worry European citizens.
A note from the French Treasury of June 2016 shows that, contrary to popular belief, it would be less expensive for a French employer to hire a French employee on the national minimum wage (SMIC) than a posted worker at the same rate because of the virtual absence of social charges for a worker receiving the SMIC in France.
In the light of the above and in order to ensure that our fellow-citizens are better informed about this important issue, will the Commission say:
- —Has it drawn up a study of the true cost of posted workers, depending on their country of origin and country of posting?
- —If not, will it draw up such a study to underpin its proposal for a reform of the directive on posted workers?