COVID-19 as a catalyst for re-regulating migrant labour in the German meat industry

This working paper examines the 2020 enactment of the Occupational Safety Control Act (OSCA) as a case-study for state re-regulation of migrant labour in the German meat industry. Using the COVD-19 pandemic as a window of opportunity, the OSCA sought to address longstanding worker exploitation by prohibiting indirect employment in the core business of meat companies. This paper explores the policymaking process, context, and early assessments of the OSCA, highlighting its implications for workers’ rights, health, and safety.

How to cite: Gottlieb N., Niediek L. (2025). COVID-19 as a catalyst for re-regulating migrant labour in the German meat industry. DignityFIRM. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.18302333