As part of the Week against Human Trafficking from October 12 to 16, the Hague Economic Intervention Team (HEIT), in cooperation with the Netherlands Labour Inspectorate, conducted comprehensive company inspections last week at three companies in The Hague and Alphen aan den Rijn. The reason for this was reports of possible abuses.
During the inspections, the partners involved investigated whether the companies comply with applicable laws and regulations. In doing so, they paid particular attention to signs that could indicate labour exploitation, illegal employment, and other forms of subversive crime.
What was found?
During inspections in The Hague, two indications of violations of the Foreign Nationals Employment Act (Wav) were found, two violations of the Minimum Wage and Minimum Holiday Allowance Act (hereinafter: Wml) were observed, and the Working Hours Act (Atw) was violated twice. There are indications that a number of employees were working without the mandatory work permit (TWV).
Additionally, during the inspection, the police found 2,980 illegal cigarettes in a building. These were relinquished by the owner, and the cigarettes are being handed over to Customs.
In Alphen aan den Rijn, indications have been found of violations of the Minimum Wage Act and prohibited child labour.
All findings of the inspections are further investigated. If violations are established, this may lead to a fine from the Labour Inspectorate, an administrative measure by the municipality, or a criminal investigation.
HEIT
The Hague Economic Intervention Team (HEIT) is a partnership involving municipalities, the police, Customs, the Netherlands Labour Inspectorate, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), UWV, and the environmental services of Haaglanden (ODH), Midden -Holland (ODMH), and West-Holland (ODWH). The team operates in the municipalities within the The Hague police unit, including Alphen aan den Rijn.
The HEIT is committed to combating subversive crime and other abuses that damage the business and living environment.
Week Against Human Trafficking
With the Week Against Human Trafficking, municipalities, civil society organizations, and law enforcement agencies annually call extra attention to recognizing and reporting signs of human trafficking and exploitation. Everyone can play an important role by reporting suspicious situations.
For more information about the approach to combating human trafficking in the Municipality of The Hague, see the website: The Hague against human trafficking – The Hague
Report suspicious situations
Do you see anything suspicious? Report it:
- Report suspicious situations to the police via telephone number 112 (emergency) or 0900-8844. You can report anonymously to Meld Misdaad Anoniem via telephone number 0800-7000.
- Do you see suspicious situations and are you unsure whether exploitation is taking place? Discuss your concerns and follow the procedure on the Human Trafficking Reporting Card, The Hague Unit.
- If you are a victim or know one, you can contact FairWork or Comensha .
Source: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation to English: The Hague Online
Photos: HEIT
