25 Apr 2024

Rules on the posting of workers

The posting of employees and subcontractors plays a central role in the globalized economy. What are the regulations on the posting of employees? Companies that operate internationally often rely on the posting of employees to carry out specific tasks efficiently and cost-effectively. This article explains the most important regulations that must be observed when posting employees.

Legal posting of workers: registration, documentation and compliance with labour standards

Compliance with legal requirements when posting workers is crucial to avoid legal consequences and damage to the company's reputation.

Registration and documentation:

  • Any posting of workers must be duly registered with the competent authorities of the destination country.
  • Sufficient documentation must be kept regarding the employment relationships, working hours and remuneration of the posted employee.

Compliance with the minimum wage:

  • Workers must receive at least the minimum wage in accordance with the host country's regulations.
  • This also applies to overtime and other allowances required by local law.

Working conditions:

  • The working conditions for posted employees must comply with the standards of the country of assignment.
  • This includes safety and health protection in the workplace as well as appropriate working hours and break arrangements.

Social security and taxes:

  • Social security and tax regulations must also be observed.
  • As a rule, posted employees remain covered by social insurance in their home country unless the posting exceeds a certain duration.

Anti-discrimination and equal treatment:

  • Workers must enjoy the same rights and protection as local workers, regardless of their nationality or country of origin.

Conformity and verification:

  • Companies are obliged to regularly check compliance with these regulations.
  • Violations of the rules on the posting of workers can lead to significant fines and loss of reputation lead.

Regular reviews and adjustments of the policies are necessary to ensure compliance and protect workers’ rights. This is the only way companies can operate successfully and responsibly on international markets in the long term.

Importance of legal compliance and employee satisfaction when posting workers

In the European Union, the EU Posting of Workers Directive regulates the posting of workers. It sets minimum standards for working conditions, pay and social security entitlements. These requirements protect posted workers so that they are not worse off than local workers. Changes to these directives can have a significant impact on the working practices of subcontractors and the entire supply chain.

The European Commission has published: "Posting of workers", where you can find more information on the rules and legal protections that support posted workers.

The posting of workers across national borders is complex and requires a comprehensive knowledge of international laws and regulations. Particular attention should be paid to the duration of the assignment. Nevertheless, longer assignments may entail special social security and tax obligations that differ considerably from short assignments. 

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Social security, tax obligations and data protection when posting workers

Companies must ensure that posted workers are correctly registered with the social security authorities for the entire duration of their posting and that all tax obligations are met in both the home and host countries. Another important aspect is the protection of employees' privacy and personal data.

In the digital age where data is easily transferred across borders compliance with data protection regulations is crucial. Companies must ensure that employees’ personal information is protected and complies with the general data protection regulation (GDPR) or similar international standards.

Conclusion

It is also important that the posting of employees is transparent and fair. This includes clear agreements on pay, working hours, overtime arrangements and reimbursement of travel expenses. Transparent contracts avoid misunderstandings and promote a positive working relationship between the client and the employee. In addition, clear regulations promote compliance with legal requirements and contribute to a trusting and fair working environment that benefits both parties.

Zeitarbeit International: your partner for efficient employee deployment on a global level

By working with organizations such as Zeitarbeit International, companies can not only manage the legal complexities of sending workers, but also ensure that their projects meet global standards and are implemented efficiently.

The correct implementation of the regulations on the posting of workers is not only a legal necessity, but also a significant factor for the success of international projects. Companies that take these aspects seriously and manage them proactively can not only avoid legal pitfalls, but also significantly increase the productivity and satisfaction of their posted employees.

With the support of Zeitarbeit International you can ensure that the posting of employees is efficient, legally compliant and to the benefit of both parties. Please feel free to contact us for further information.