A criminologist’s year-long undercover investigation has revealed widespread exploitation and substandard working conditions endured by labor migrants in the Netherlands. Ruben Timmerman, embedded within the construction, food processing, and logistics sectors, uncovered a “rotten system” where companies prioritize low costs over fair treatment.

Timmerman’s research highlights that labor migrants, often desperate for economic opportunities, are subjected to dangerous conditions, wage theft, and discriminatory practices. One anecdote recounts a construction site incident where a colleague’s hand was injured due to inadequate safety measures, but the worker feared reporting it due to potential job loss.

The study reveals a culture of “strategic ignorance” among client companies, who delegate personnel responsibilities to employment agencies and turn a blind eye to abuses as long as costs remain low. These agencies, in turn, are under pressure to minimize expenses, leading to a race to the bottom where worker welfare is sacrificed. This results in a lack of oversight, with constantly changing faces on the work floor and no clear accountability.

Timmerman emphasizes that labor migrants are often treated as mere “hands” to fill labor shortages, with little regard for their well-being or integration into Dutch society. He witnessed instances of disrespect, discrimination, and a stark hierarchy where Dutch workers receive preferential treatment.

While acknowledging that labor migrants may still find conditions better than in their home countries, Timmerman argues that the Netherlands should strive for a higher standard of decent and fair work. He calls for limiting the employment sector and ensuring that temporary work is used appropriately, rather than for structural positions.

Timmerman suggests that the Netherlands, once a leader in labor market flexibilization, can take the lead in curbing it and improving working conditions for all, even in the lowest-paid sectors. He expresses concern that many policymakers still believe labor migrants will eventually return home, neglecting the need to integrate them into society and ensure their well-being.