In the EU Parliament, cleaners are complaining about harassment and abuse of power by subcontractors and supervisors. Despite complaints, nothing has changed for years.

Europe’s economy needs one million foreign workers each year, said Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, in January. This is due to the demographic change in Europe, which is resulting in a decline in the working age population. So-called EU Talent Partnerships are presented as a solution to this challenge. Announced in June 2021, the aim is to attract non-EU citizens into the European workforce and fill gaps in the labour market. The Commission considers Talent Partnerships a “triple win” – beneficial for the EU’s economy, the non-EU partner countries that often face high unemployment rates and for the workers themselves.

Staff shortages in the healthcare sectors across Europe could dramatically increase if states do not invest in the health workforce.

In the German solar sector, industry and skilled trades are fighting for the few skilled workers that are available. The financially stronger industry often wins. Local companies are also affected, as the managing director of an electrical company from the Ore Mountains reports. Can recruiting workers from abroad help?

As morning dawned over Munich, German customs authorities embarked on a covert mission to investigate suspected illegal migrant labour at a local hotel. Asked what their purpose is, they answer they are aiming to uncover companies that exploit undocumented migrants as employees.

According to their own estimates, cleaning staff at Leipzig University Hospital have too little time and insufficient equipment and training to do their job properly. There are similar shortcomings in other clinics in central Germany. Cleaning is important to prevent patients from becoming infected with germs.

In Brussels and Strasbourg, the EU's ultra-liberal policies find their way into the toilets of the Parliament. Housekeepers, employed by subcontractors, toil to make the institution shine. Invisible and poorly paid, they denounce their difficult working conditions.

Many Filipinos work in international shipping. Time and again, they tell of a life at sea that promises financial benefits, but for which they pay a high personal price. Overtime and the fear of “blacklists”, which turn every complaint into an occupational hazard, are part of the reality. International organizations are fighting for the rights of seafarers. Even the EU supply chain law will not protect them sufficiently.

The Cuxhaven Seamen's Mission is a safe haven for seafarers from all over the world. In this interview, Martin Struwe talks about the precarious working conditions of seafarers - and how he and his staff are committed to their welfare.

Nearly a quarter of the sailors on French fishing boats are foreigners. The sector suffers from a lack of attractiveness, but the European Union has not clearly identified it as being “under pressure”. Report from Senegalese fishermen in the Arcachon Basin.