Migrants Continue to Die Due to Exploitation. What Solution?

Satnam Singh, an Indian laborer, died two days after being abandoned by his “employer” in front of the house where he lived, in the province of Latina, after a machine in the farm where he worked illegally severed his arm and broke his legs. In front of the house, along with the agonizing man, his severed arm was left in a fruit crate. According to autopsy results, Singh, who died from the hemorrhage, could have been saved if help had been called sooner; in fact, from the time of the accident to the time the emergency services were called, at least an hour and a half had passed. Satnam Singh, 31, did not have a residence permit and was exploited at the Lovato farm, along with his wife, for at least twelve hours a day, without a regular contract. After the laborer’s death, his wife was granted a residence permit by the Italian government. The Lovato farm, already under investigation for labor exploitation for at least five years, used foreign labor for a few euros a day, without holidays, rest days, and with working hours exceeding those allowed by law. “These are inhumane acts that do not belong to the Italian people,” said Giorgia Meloni, but according to the latest CGIL agro-mafia report, a quarter of all laborers, about 230,000 people predominantly foreigners, are subject to exploitation in Italian fields. Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida spoke of an isolated case that does not concern the entire agricultural sector and blamed “a criminal.” One of many; too many… we add.

Is There a Solution to All This? We believe there is! Certifying products from companies that comply with labor regulations is a viable strategy to promote decent working conditions. This type of certification can incentivize companies to adhere to current regulations and improve the working conditions of their employees. Here are some ways this could be achieved:

1. Ethical Certifications: Develop clear standards and criteria that companies must meet to obtain an ethical certification. These standards can include respecting workers’ rights, paying fair wages, complying with health and safety regulations, and prohibiting abusive practices like labor exploitation.
2. Monitoring and Verification: Implement effective monitoring and verification mechanisms to ensure that certified companies actually meet the established criteria. This can include regular audits by independent and transparent organizations.
3. Certification Marks and Labels: Create specific marks or labels that consumers can recognize as a guarantee of products from agricultural companies that comply with labor regulations. These marks can increase consumer trust and promote conscious choices.
4. Collaboration Among Stakeholders: Actively involve the government, trade associations, unions, and other stakeholders in the process of developing and implementing certifications. Collaboration is crucial to ensure that certifications are credible and effective in promoting positive changes. Certifying agricultural products that respect workers’ rights will not only improve working conditions in vulnerable agricultural sectors but also raise consumer awareness about the importance of supporting responsible and sustainable companies.