WIREDGOV

Seasonal workers from outside the EU will get better working and living conditions, including a minimum wage and proper accommodation, under a deal between Parliament and member states backed by civil liberties MEPs on Thursday. These rules, aimed at both ending exploitation and preventing temporary stays becoming permanent, are the first at EU level on seasonal work.

“We finally have agreement on a directive that manages temporary, legal migration and ensures protection of workers from exploitation. It will be a strong tool to ensure humane conditions for low-wage workers, discourage undercutting and benefit good employers," said Parliament's rapporteur, Claude Moraes (S&D, UK).

The Commission estimates put the number of seasonal workers who come to the EU each year from non-EU countries at over 100,000.

Next steps

The new rules will be put to a vote by the full Parliament in the beginning of 2014. If they are approved, member states will have two and a half years to put them into effect.

The Civil Liberties Committee endorsed the agreed text by 33 votes to one, with two abstentions