Mattress Recycling Europe challenges fine over unpermitted foreign workers
Updated
Updated · Interior Daily · May 4
Mattress Recycling Europe challenges fine over unpermitted foreign workers
13 articles · Updated · Interior Daily · May 4
The Utrecht recycler, now in Apeldoorn, is contesting an €85,500 penalty after a 2023 inspection found 13 workers without valid permits.
Director Ruud Kortink said the workers came via one temporary agency and that ties were immediately cut, while the ministry says employers must verify hired staff.
MRE recycles about one million mattresses a year, and the government says per-worker fines deter unfair labour-cost advantages and tax evasion; a judge is due to rule later this month.
A firm blames its temp agency for illegal workers. Will a Dutch court accept this excuse or uphold an €85,500 fine?
With a new law set to punish hiring from uncertified agencies, is this case the tip of the iceberg for Dutch companies?
As Europe needs more foreign workers, why are laws making it harder and riskier for companies to hire them?