23/04/2026 Session
Social dumping and labour exploitation, which at its worst includes forced labour and trafficking in human beings, “represents a grave violation of human dignity and fundamental rights,” warns a resolution adopted PACE.
In the adopted resolution based on a report by Valérie Piller Carrard (Switzerland, SOC), the Assembly notes with concern that growing economic integration has contributed to “a dual labour market where vulnerable workers, often migrant or posted workers and those involved in the informal economy, are subjected to substandard working conditions and do not benefit from adequate social protection”.
It stresses that social dumping and labour exploitation “undermine the European social model, erode fundamental rights and human dignity, and distort fair competition, threatening social cohesion and democratic stability across member states”.
Among its key recommendations, the Assembly calls on member states to strengthen national systems “by using the norms of the [European Social] Charter” and seek better balance between “economic interests and socio-economic rights”, “significantly increase resources for labour inspectorates”, “mandate compulsory licensing and certification of temporary employment agencies”, and “enhance regulation and accountability for subcontracting by mandating joint liability across the subcontracting chain”.
It also urges states to “protect whistleblowers who report labour exploitation to authorities”, establish “safe channels for such reporting” and build “firewalls between labour law enforcement and immigration authorities”, so that exploited workers can claim back wages “without fear of expulsion or loss of residence”.
PACE further highlights the need to “ensure minimum living wage and wage parity for all workers in host countries”, and to “combat false self-employment and informal employment”.
Finally, the Assembly calls on national parliaments to “review and enhance, where necessary, national legislation to bring it in line with the country’s international commitments aimed at combating social dumping and labour exploitation”.