In the ETF’s view, the new rules could have a direct impact on the road freight transport sector, which already relies heavily on drivers from third countries.
Talent Pool – a new mechanism for recruiting workers from outside the EU
In a plenary vote, the European Parliament adopted its first-reading position on the Talent Pool proposal prepared by the European Commission. The project provides for the creation of a platform matching workers from outside the European Union with companies operating in the member states.
The aim of the initiative is to facilitate recruitment in sectors facing labour shortages. Road transport is also among them, and in many European countries it is struggling with a chronic shortage of professional drivers.
Member states will be able to participate in the EU Talent Pool on a voluntary basis and withdraw from it, subject to a nine-month notice period.
The EU Talent Pool does not create new legal pathways for migration to the EU, but matches job offers submitted by employers based in the member states participating in the programme with third-country nationals who are seeking employment and reside outside the EU. Selection of a candidate by an employer does not guarantee the right of entry or residence, although member states may, under national law, facilitate and speed up the relevant procedures. General information on procedures for obtaining residence documents and visas will be available both on the platform and through national contact points” – we read in the European Parliament’s statement.
Trade unions: no safeguards for workers
The European Transport Workers’ Federation points out that the adopted text does not include key safeguards for workers. The organisation stresses that the proposal does not provide mechanisms for workers to lodge complaints in cases of abuse, nor does it include clear information on labour rights or access to benefits.
According to the federation, there is also a lack of guarantees for fair recruitment and employment, which could lead to situations in which third-country workers are more exposed to unfair practices.
At the same time, the organisation emphasises that it supports migrant workers’ access to the labour market in the European Union, but – as it notes – they should enjoy the same labour, trade union and social rights as citizens of the member states.
Risk of an increase in intermediaries
Another issue highlighted by workers’ representatives is the role of intermediaries in the recruitment process. Under the proposal, numerous entities acting as employment intermediaries will be able to use the platform, and these are not regulated at EU level.
In the federation’s view, this could make it harder to establish liability in cases of abuse, such as social dumping or bogus posting of workers to member states.
The more intermediaries there are in the employment chain, the harder it is to determine responsibility for potential breaches of regulations.
Possible inflow of unprotected workers
Although member states’ participation in the Talent Pool system is to be voluntary, the federation believes that any country that decides to join the platform may become a potential gateway for an inflow of unprotected migrant workers into the European Union.
In practice, this may also matter for the transport market, where companies are increasingly turning to drivers from third countries to fill staffing gaps.
Unions called for the project to be put on hold
European trade union federations had previously called for the Talent Pool project to be withdrawn, arguing that it was premature. They indicated that planned legislative initiatives on worker mobility and employment quality could regulate these issues more effectively.
This includes, among other things, the forthcoming package on fair worker mobility, a revision of the mandate of the European Labour Authority, and a roadmap on job quality.
In the unions’ view, only comprehensive regulations on subcontracting and labour intermediation could effectively reduce the risk of worker exploitation in complex employment chains.
