Law. Human. Environment

Current challenges in protecting the rights of seasonal agricultural workers in the EU and Ukraine

Ruslan Baluta
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Abstract

The study was devoted to a comparative analysis of legal instruments for protecting the labour rights of seasonal workers in agriculture in Ukraine and the European Union. It was found that a significant proportion of workers in this category remain outside the scope of legal regulation, which complicates access to social guarantees such as health insurance, paid leave and pensions. The practice of concluding employment contracts in writing, although required by law, is often ignored, creating unequal working conditions and complicating the protection of workersʼ rights. The regulation of leave and working hours does not take into account the specifics of seasonal work, forcing workers to work without adequate rest, which affects their physical and mental health. Polish law requires written employment contracts for seasonal workers, which guarantees transparency in labour relations, and a special law ensures their access to medical, pension and other social guarantees through mandatory registration in the social insurance system. Noteworthy are the provisions of German law, which establishes equal working conditions for seasonal and permanent workers, obliging employers to ensure remuneration not lower than the level set for permanent staff, as well as to provide access to social guarantees, including opportunities for professional development. European directives have set high standards for worker protection, including written information on working conditions, mandatory paid leave and clear rules on working hours. Adapting European standards to Ukrainian legislation will help reduce informal employment, improve working conditions and strengthen social protection for workers, ensuring greater stability in the labour market

Keywords

labour relations; social guarantees; working time; transparency; informal employment

Suggested citation
Baluta, R. (2025). Current challenges in protecting the rights of seasonal agricultural workers in the EU and Ukraine. Law. Human. Environment, 16(3), 9-27. https://doi.org/10.31548/law/3.2025.09
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