Labor
The Dutch floriculture industry is an important economic sector that provides employment for thousands of people. Migrant workers make a valuable contribution to this sector, especially during busy periods. The sector is committed to safe, fair, and responsible working conditions. Nevertheless, the situation of these workers continues to require attention. This is because abuses do not only affect the workers themselves; they can also lead to subversive criminal activity, in which criminals exploit legitimate businesses and legal structures. That is why municipalities, business owners, and other supply chain partners are working together to promote transparency, raise awareness, and prevent such abuses. In this way, they are collectively making the sector more resilient. Based on this shared responsibility, this project is part of the “Weerbare Sierteeltsector Initiative.”
One of the abuses that falls under this theme is labor exploitation. Labor exploitation means that someone is forced, through coercion or deception, to work under very poor conditions, while another person deliberately profits from it. This is a criminal offense, but it is often difficult to prove. Much more often, the issue involves serious mistreatment, such as underpayment or excessively long workdays. While these are less severe, they can escalate into exploitation if no one intervenes. That is why the project focuses on both.
Business owners, too, may unwittingly face risks in their supply chain—for example, when there is insufficient transparency regarding the origin of their workforce or the conditions under which they are employed.
We assume that most business owners want to do the right thing. Some of the companies that hire staff—and the staffing agencies that provide that staff—are already aware of the risks and set a good example. Others also want to do the right thing but lack the knowledge or resources. And some business owners accept risks as a matter of course, for example by not asking where their workers come from. The project demonstrates best practices and helps business owners identify risks early on. In this way, we aim to stay one step ahead of abuses. Anyone who knowingly profits from exploitation will face oversight and investigation.
The project operates along two lines.
The first line of support helps entrepreneurs stay vigilant on their own. Entrepreneurs who are already doing well share their methods with colleagues. Practical resources will be made available, such as checklists and a roadmap that shows where to turn if something seems suspicious. And through training sessions and meetings, we’re raising awareness.
The second line of defense looks at the bigger picture. What gaps in laws, regulations, or oversight make these abuses possible? The project brings these issues to the attention of the parties that can do something about them, such as municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and industry organizations.
The project is led by a project manager who works closely with entrepreneurs, industry organizations, municipalities, and law enforcement agencies. The steering committee of the “Weerbare Sierteeltsector Initiative” serves as the administrative client. Half of the project is funded by the Regio Deal for the Ornamental Horticulture Sector. The project began on September 1, 2026, and will run through the end of 2028. The funding was secured through the Regio Deal for the Ornamental Horticulture Sector and the four municipalities participating in the initiative.
