German trade unions denounce abuses on farms in the state of Hesse, where many Romanian seasonal workers work up to 12 hours a day without being paid properly

German trade unions have identified numerous labor law violations on farms in southern Hesse, where many Romanian seasonal workers are employed. Following discussions with more than 400 employees, union representatives found that the minimum wage is being circumvented, legal working hours are exceeded, and accommodation conditions and payment for hours worked are often unclear.

Inspections carried out between April and June on asparagus and strawberry plantations revealed cases in which workers worked up to 12 hours a day, without days off and under pressure to meet high quotas. Some did not receive contracts or pay slips and only learned at the end of the season that they had not been paid for all the hours they worked.

One employer charged 28 euros per day for accommodation in shared dormitories and meals, while the legal minimum wage is 13.90 euros per hour. Many workers come from Romania, but seasonal workers from Croatia, Hungary, Bulgaria and the Republic of Moldova were also interviewed.

The German Trade Union Confederation is calling for more frequent inspections by customs authorities and labor inspectors. Unions are also warning about a rule that came into force in January 2026, allowing seasonal workers to be employed for 15 weeks without social security contributions being paid. The data is not representative of all farms, but the organizations say workers return to Germany every year to secure their families' incomes.