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As the EU celebrates 30 years of its single market and freedom of movement, for construction workers, there are many problems associated with it, according to union boss Johan Lindholm.
The EU Commission is reviewing its posted workers directive. In recent years, subcontracting has lengthened EU supply chains, making it harder to detect labour abuses — and those responsible for them.
In construction, long and complex subcontracting chains are a major factor of exploitation. If done in an appropriate way, subcontracting should not be a problem. Trouble starts when subcontracting is simply used to reduce costs and to escape legal responsibilities.
Lawmakers in the European Parliament keep calling for stepping up workers' protection from asbestos, despite a more cautious approach from the EU executive and member states.
Where once working men in heavy industry were diagnosed with cancers related to a more direct exposure to asbestos, now women in professions such as teaching, nursing and other occupations are being diagnosed, as well as young people.