Report Highlights Rising Exploitation of Seasonal Agricultural Workers in Germany

The 2024 report from Initiative Faire Landarbeit reveals worsening housing conditions, inflated accommodation costs, and systemic labor rights violations, including sexualized violence.

Accommodation costs for seasonal workers have risen to 18–21 euros per day, consuming up to 50% of workers' net wages in some cases.
Living conditions are described as dire, with overcrowded rooms, inadequate sanitation, and deteriorating housing quality.
Labor rights violations persist, including long working hours, irregular pay, and schemes that undermine the minimum wage.
The report highlights cases of sexualized violence against women, often perpetrated by supervisors, and calls for safeguards such as lockable rooms and separate facilities for women.
While social security-covered employment is increasing, short-term contracts remain prevalent, reflecting ongoing systemic challenges in the sector.