MODERATOR

Day 1: Plenary Session

First day of the Congress is an opportunity to get more knowledge about the direction of works on the new rules of posting workers abroad and  coordination of the social security system, the discussions about protection of local labour markets in particular countries, about ‘social dumping’ and if the competition of the Eastern European countries is really unfair. Panelists are top political decision makers and public administration representatives. Co organizer of the first day of VI ELMC is Polish Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Technology and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Posting of workers in the framework of the freedom to provide services in the EU is a rare example of win – win economic solutions, which we all enjoy. It improves competitiveness, creates jobs, bridges the earnings gap between low wage and high wage member states. It prevents drainage of qualified staff from the sending countries, and it prevents debiting the social security systems, social infrastructure and public services of the host countries. As the best legal way of allocation of skills it prevents social dumping or “race to the bottom” caused by undeclared work. Last but not least it allows consumers across Europe to access the services that local companies do not provide. Despite all these obvious advantages, public opinion in the host countries often blames posting of workers for many economic and social problems, like social dumping, local unemployment, lowering social standards or even assassination of a built through the years social model. Let’s explore together with the use of data and in the sincere debate if the posting of workers and freedom to provide services is a source of problems, or a means of mitigation. Let us ask the question can there be such a huge gap between the benefits of posting and its perception. Let’s ask about the first effects of the implementation of the Directive of 2014 and the impact of the proposed changes by the Commission on the freedom to provide services in the EU.  

Day 2: Practical workshops for business

Second day is dedicated mainly to the employers who post workers abroad. When it comes about cross-border services knowledge of the recent interpretation of the provisions is necessary. However, lack of law precision makes many complications even with the basic terms. That is why practical workshops are mainly based on examples, anlyse of rules and judical decisions. Agenda of the second day includes practical workshops traditionally led by experts and lawyers practicing labour law and social security law. Every year, one of the most popular is a workshop organized by the representative of the Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).