Hello,
 
I welcome the idea of mobilising the agricultural sector.
I read an article on RtV Slovenia about the "import" of foreign workers (most of them from Eastern Europe) to work in our and foreign fields.
These workers are mostly elderly people who were already on the verge of survival in their own countries. Here, they do not live in any better living, hygiene and working conditions while they work.
 
QUESTIONS FOR THE COUNTRY/AGENCY:
 
How will the State ensure that all these workers, who live on the doorstep of barely adequate hygienic conditions while working seasonally for us, are provided with the conditions to prevent the spread of the virus?
In the event that the virus spreads to a large number of seasonal workers, how will they be treated, given that we already do not have sufficient capacity available?
 
PROPOSAL TO THE GOVERNMENT:
 
In Slovenia we have xy students, unemployed, young and elderly, physically fit, healthy people, as well as those on waiting lists.
Why are all these vacancies not offered to them temporarily (i.e. in times of crisis)?
 
50% unemployment benefit + 50% of income from seasonal work = socially useful population, savings on social transfers, provision of basic resources.
 
Another proposal that could potentially have positive effects is PAID VOLUNTARY WORK.
 
An organisation (I don't remember in which African country exactly) pioneered voluntary work as a debt repayment option for individuals (various debts for school fees, housing, etc.).
The project proved to be incredibly successful as most of the volunteers not only paid off their debts, but also learned new skills, were better employed and a few of them started their own businesses.
 
Residents are compensated for time away from work, while we could be mobilised to work in a wide range of areas where there is currently a shortage of labour. I think that would be a very strong motivating factor.
 
I understand that any such incredible idea needs time for reflection, which we do not have at the moment.
 
Many ideas that were unacceptable yesterday have proved invaluable today.