Undeclared work remains a challenge across Europe to ensure decent work, the social protection of workers, and the occupational health and safety of workers. Worker and social cooperatives across Europe have therefore developed successful models to fight undeclared work, and to uphold the rights of often vulnerable workers. With this public online event held on November 19th, CECOP “turned the lights on” the fight of worker and social cooperatives against undeclared work. The event was moderated by CECOP Secretary General, Diana Dovgan.
Presenting the report, author Dr. Francesca Martinelli highlighted that it is estimated that 16 % of the overall employment in Europe is affected by undeclared work, with adverse effects for workers and enterprises that follow the rules alike. Even though undeclared work affects more often vulnerable workers such as migrants and domestic workers, sub-contracting or self-employment can lead to higher forms of undeclared work.
Drawing on case studies of 11 cooperatives in Europe, the research showcases cooperatives that help migrant workers, refugees and asylum seekers, but also self-employed and gig workers to access formal work. Migrant workers, in particular, irregularly staying ones, are often at risk of informal work, as they have limited access to job opportunities, lack the language skills of their countries of residence, and are often reliant on informal networks. Cooperatives such Diomcoop in Spain, or Nazareth in Italy emerged to help fighting undeclared work.
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