FAQ: Labour exploitation

My boss promised me good working conditions. But that did not happen, and I am now being exploited (I earn less than 400€, live in a degrading accommodation, receive extended hours of work and yet no salary increase). What can I do?

These working conditions mean that you are suffering from labour exploitation. Such a situation does not constitute a crime, and therefore must be reported to the Authority for Working Conditions (ACT), who will analyse the situation and may fine your employer.

However, if your employer or another person has recruited, helped, or convinced you to come to Portugal or to a different area from your original country of residence – promising you good working conditions and not following through with this promise, this person may have committed a crime of human trafficking. 

How can I determine whether or not it is labour exploitation?

The International Labour Organisation - ILO (Organização Internacional de Trabalho – OIT) has laid out six indicators to assist in identifying labour exploitation. Please note that just one of these indicators is enough to deem a work situation to be exploitative.

• Threatening workers with actual physical danger
• Restriction of movement or isolation to a workplace or to a limited area
• “Debt bondage”: when a worker works to pay off a debt or loan. The employer may provide food and accommodation, but the employee is not paid for his or her work. They employer may also provide food and accommodation at a price so high that the worker can never afford to repay the debt
• Keeping passports or identification documents so that workers cannot leave or prove their identity or status
• Threats of reporting the workers’ illegal status to law enforcement authorities

 If you are subjected to one or more of these situations or know of someone who is, please contact APAV | UAVM or the Authority for Working Conditions (ACT).