Vladimir Bogoeski (Amsterdam Centre for Transformative Private Law – University of Amsterdam)

“Essential and Exploited: Seasonal Migrant Farmworkers in Germany during Covid-19”

Speaker: Vladimir Bogoeski (Amsterdam Centre for Transformative Private Law – University of Amsterdam)

Abstract. Seasonal migrant farmworkers have been declared ‘essential’ in Germany at the very outset of the pandemic. One year later, continuing poor work conditions, infection outbreaks on farms and a general social security exemption show that the recognition of the ‘essential’ character of the job did not translate into any improvements for workers. Based on interviews with counselors for migrant workers in Germany and analysis of the legal measures introduced during the pandemic, the discussion focuses on how previously established structures of exploitation in relation to seasonal farm work have been sustained and further reinforced during the pandemic.

This webinar is organized in the context of the project “Covid-19 as an inequality challenge. Testing the EU response” (C. Borgna, E. Corcione, F. Costamagna, L. Grossio, V. Passalacqua, V. Tucci)