European Union: Seasonal Workers under COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The article deals with the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on the seasonal workers in the EU. Based on the examples of several Member States, in particular Germany and France, the author demonstrates the problems that seasonal workers and their employers, as well as governments, have experienced because of the closed borders and restrictions on the seasonal workers trips to their place of work. The article analyses the measures taken by the governments in the world and the EU Member States, in particular, to resolve the situation and further use of seasonal labor. At the same time, the author points out the emerging threats to the health of mobile workers due to the inability to comply with preventive requirements, as well as cases of violation of their rights by employers. Recommendations of the EU Commission to Member States on ensuring freedom of movement, social rights and protection of health of seasonal workers are presented. At the same time, the author comes to the conclusion that restoring the channels of disrupted seasonal migration will depend on uncertain circumstances, which may prompt producers in the agricultural industry to rethink their business models by reducing their reliance on cheap labor.