Examples of why violations happen:
- Lack of information and knowledge regarding the rules
- Lack of administrative capacity
- Complicated collective agreements
- Culture of distrust
- An expectation of lower prices
Examples of why violations happen:
A story from Latvian Construction Workers’ Union
A Latvian-based company Y has periodically posted Andris to provide services to Rander in Denmark, four hours from Copenhagen, since June 2014. The works to be carried out were the transportation and repair of pallets. During the interview with trade union, it became known that there had been serious violations of Labour law. As reported by Andris, he was first posted to work in Denmark by a Latvian-registered company X. He started his work in Denmark in January 2014 and continued until June. Andris signed both copies of the employment contract, but none of them was handed over to him. After reviewing the data base of the Latvian Enterprise Register, it became clear that company X was terminated in insolvency proceedings on 11 February 2014 and it is unclear who paid employees the small amount of salary, from February to June 2014, when Y became the employer. It turns out that Y also acted illegally and unfairly towards its employees. Andris signed both copies of the employment contract, but he did not receive it. When he entered the job, the company’s representatives in the job interview promised to pay all travel expenses to go to work and back, accommodation and expenses related to business travel. These costs have ultimately been paid by employees at their own expense, plus the expenses for electricity and internet for the last four months. Wages and salaries were based on the number and type of pallets made and repaired. Good living conditions have been promised, but actually there were unfurnished rooms for one to four people in one room. The workers had to sleep on the floor, on old mattresses they found on their own, cover with blankets of unknown origin, etc. Under these circumstances, around 30 people have lived. And finally, as Andris said, based on Article 101, part 1 (2) of the Labour Law of the Republic of Latvia (the employee acted illegally and lost the trust of the employer), from 3 September 2014 he was released from work at company Y. As he explained to the trade union, on Saturday, On August 23 he did not work because he felt unwell. He has not been introduced to the company’s agenda and has not received information on how to proceed in such cases. The Latvian Construction Workers’ Union offered its help and participation in further resolution of the labour dispute and prevention of illegality involving the State Labour Inspectorate and other institutions.