Posting workers, cheap labor in Europe

Abstract

This article analyzes the intra-European mobility of workers who, by virtue of the principle of free movement of services, moves from one country (origin) to another/s (destination/s) to carry out an activity during a certain period of time. This research addresses recent trends in this temporary migration, the factors behind it and its geographic distribution, and the working conditions of displaced workers. The information used comes from the reports and data published by the European Commission and from the results of investigations that various authors have carried out in different countries.

Geographical mobility is increasing rapidly throughout Europe, which is due, among other factors, to the regulations governing the posting of workers, to the enlargement of the European Union to the East and to the economic crisis that started in 2008. The greatest part of the journeys covers short distances and take place between western countries, where the job offer is concentrated. However, demand increases with greater intensity in the countries of the southern and eastern periphery, which stand out as exporters of labor.