Germany's seasonal farmworkers endure exploitation despite labor reforms
Seasonal farmworkers in Germany continue to face harsh conditions, despite recent reforms. Reports reveal excessive working hours, illegal wage cuts, and unsafe living arrangements. At the same time, inspections by authorities have dropped sharply in recent years. In 2023, around 243,000 seasonal workers were employed in German agriculture. Many endure up to 70-hour workweeks, with some living in substandard housing. Illegal deductions of up to €1,000 from their wages have also been documented.
Rising piecework quotas have pushed workers harder, increasing accident risks. The government extended short-term, social-security-exempt contracts from 70 to 90 days per year, leaving many without proper protections. A new collective bargaining deal raised wages for agricultural workers by roughly 10% over 33 months—but unskilled seasonal labourers still earn the legal minimum for their first four months. Inspections have fallen dramatically, from nearly 1,200 in 2020 to just 274 in 2024. Meanwhile, the German Farmers' Association is pushing for a 20% discount on the minimum wage for foreign seasonal workers. This proposal has gained backing from the far-right AfD and the centre-right CDU.
The agriculture sector faces ongoing structural issues, with many farms failing to comply with labour laws. Workers remain vulnerable due to weak enforcement and limited protections. Without stricter oversight, conditions for seasonal farmworkers are unlikely to improve.
