Employment and industrial relations in the agricultural and rural contractor (ARC) sector

This study shows the main characteristics and specifics of the ARC sector in four European countries. The overall picture shows that the activities of contractors go beyond the agricultural and forestry sectors, into construction services or services to public authorities. The project also shows that special requirements for health and safety, education and training arise in this sector, due to the high degree of mechanisation and the use of high-tech equipment. At national level, the study shows that most of the time representation and social dialogue is not ARC-sector-specific. The ARC sector is predominantly covered by the social partner organisations of the agricultural industry. Collective agreements often overlap with the general agricultural sector, or they apply at company level.