EU countries to introduce equal pay for posted workers within two years

Workers posted temporarily to another EU country must get equal pay for equal work in the same place under new rules agreed by the European Parliament yesterday.

The revised rules, approved 456-147 with 49 abstentions, aim to ensure better protection for posted workers and fair competition for companies and must be enforced by member states within two years.

Under the agreed text, all of the host country’s remuneration rules must apply to posted workers. In addition to legal provisions, member states may apply large, representative regional or sectoral collective agreements, which has so far been done in the construction sector.

Travel, board and accommodation costs will have to be paid by the employer and not deducted from workers’ salaries. Employers will also have to ensure that the accommodation conditions for posted workers are decent, and in line with national rules.

The duration of the posting has been set at a maximum of 12 months, with a possible extension of six months. Thereafter, the worker will still be able to stay on and work in the member state to which he or she is posted, but beyond this, their working conditions will be subject to the host country’s labour rules.

In the event of a fraudulent posting, member states should cooperate to ensure that posted workers are protected, at least, by the conditions of the Posting of Workers Directive.

The new elements of the revised directive will only apply to the transport sector once the sector-specific legislation, included in the EU’s Mobility Package, enters into force.

European Parliament rapporteur Elisabeth Morin-Chartier said: “This vote is a cornerstone of the 2014-2019 legislative term. It reflects the social, economic and political reality of the European Union. It sets a clear course towards a more social Europe with a fairer competition between companies and better rights for workers.

“By voting in favour of this agreement, the European Parliament provides better rights for workers and also ensures the necessary protection with regard to companies.”

Co-rapporteur Agnes Jongerius added: “Europe chooses equal pay for equal work at the same place. And that is a major accomplishment. Colleagues can be colleagues again, rather than competitors.

“This is an important step towards creating a social Europe that protects workers and stops companies from engaging in a race to the bottom - a Europe that does not cut corners and that looks out for ordinary, working people.”