Severe labour exploitation

30.6.2015

Question for written answer E-010527-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Clara Eugenia Aguilera García (S&D) , Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto (S&D)

Severe labour exploitation is a rising problem in Spain, Portugal and Greece, according to a recent report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. The economic crisis is to blame for the increase in labour exploitation, which in these three countries has even involved situations on a par with slavery in some cases.

This increasing phenomenon is particularly prevalent in certain sectors, specifically agriculture, construction, the hotel and catering industry, domestic work and manufacturing. Poverty makes people more vulnerable, and they allow themselves to be exploited because they have no other alternative.

The fact that this is a hidden phenomenon makes it very difficult to quantify, although the report refers to estimates from the ILO according to which around three out of every 1 000 persons worldwide were in forced labour at any given point in time from 2002 to 2011. Regardless of the statistics, these situations constitute criminal activity under national legislation.

What action has the EC taken, or does it intend to take, to alleviate this situation and bring it under control?

Has the EC informed the relevant Member States of the conclusions of this report, or does it intend to do so?