How Normec Helped The Greenery Lead the Way in Fair Labour

The flexible labour market is dynamic and is subject to constantly changing laws and regulations. For companies that rely on temporary staffing, it can be challenging to ascertain whether the agencies they partner with are applying the rules correctly. Eric Don from The Greenery experienced that Normec VRO provides a solution to this. The Greenery is a prominent player in the Dutch fresh produce sector, known for its extensive logistics operations and commitment to sustainability. With a large portion of its workforce made up of temporary staff, the company is deeply committed to treating all employees equally — regardless of contract type. Their ambition goes beyond compliance. The Greenery wants to be a good employer in every sense, ensuring that temporary workers are not only legally protected but also valued and supported. With the Employment of the Temporary Workers Admission Act (Wtta) set to take effect in 2027, the company recognised an urgent need to assess how well its staffing partners were prepared and how fairly they treated their workers. Without a clear view of agency practices, The Greenery risked misalignment with its values and future legal requirements. That’s why they chose to act early.

Understanding the challenge

The Greenery relies on temporary workers for hundreds of thousands of labour hours annually. With the Wtta legislation set to take effect in 2027, the company needed clarity on whether its staffing agencies were prepared to meet the new compliance standards. Initial attempts to engage with inspection bodies were disappointing. The Greenery required a partner that could offer not only legal expertise but also a pragmatic and collaborative approach. The challenge was complex due to the evolving regulatory landscape and the need to assess multiple external partners.

“We value our temporary staff just as we do our permanent employees. It’s only fair they are rewarded and treated equally. That’s why we needed certainty about our partners’ compliance.” - Eric Don, Operations Manager, The Greenery Logistics

A tailored approach

Normec VRO was recommended by both internal colleagues and one of The Greenery’s staffing partners. The company conducted independent inspections of staffing agencies, assessing their readiness for the Wtta framework and validating their SNA certification. Led by Julisa Fereijra‑Phelipa, Normec VRO approached the project with precision and care. The team combined legal rigour with practical flexibility, aligning closely with The Greenery’s social HR policy. What made the approach distinctive was the shared commitment to fair employment.

“The Greenery’s proactive stance and intrinsic motivation to be a good employer made them a shining example. Their decision to work only with certified agencies sets a high standard for the industry.” - Julisa Fereijra‑Phelipa, Business Unit Director, Normec VRO

From insight to industry leadership

The collaboration resulted in clear, actionable insights into the compliance status of The Greenery’s staffing partners. This gave the company confidence that its flexible workforce is treated fairly and in accordance with current and future legislation. Operationally, The Greenery now has a robust framework for partner selection and monitoring. Strategically, the case positions them as a leader in ethical employment practices, with Normec VRO as a trusted partner in maintaining that standard. By helping The Greenery take proactive steps ahead of legislation, Normec not only delivered compliance assurance but also contributed to a fairer, more transparent labour market.