Calabria: urgent request for a meeting with the region to intensify the battle against gangmastering and exploitation in the agricultural sector
Regional trade union organizations have intensified their action against gangmastering and exploitation in the agricultural sector of Calabria, urgently requesting a meeting with the regional authorities. Last June 19, the General Secretaries Michele Sapia (Fai Cisl), Caterina Vaiti (Flai Cgil) and Pasquale Barbalaco (Uila Uil) sent a communication to the General Director of the Agriculture Department, Giuseppe Iiritano, and to the Regional Councilor Gianluca Gallo, to urge the convening of a meeting aimed at strengthening strategies to combat illegal work and gangmastering, widespread phenomena in the Calabrian agricultural panorama.
“It is imperative to resume regional dialogue to intensify actions against exploitation and any form of illegality in our agricultural and agri-food sectore”, declared the union representatives. “Currently, at least 40% of agricultural workers in Calabria work in irregular conditions, a percentage that increases considerably if we consider the presence of migrant workersyou.”
Trade unionists underlined the need to break the cycles of illegality that start from workforce management to the accommodation and transportation of workers. They also highlighted the importance of strengthening controls by the Labor Inspectorate and enhancing the role of bilateral agricultural bodies to guarantee regularity and transparency in the agricultural labor market.
“It is urgent to adopt more effective preventive measures and support safe, dignified and adequately paid agricultural work”, Sapia, Vaiti and Barbalaco continued. “This also implies the promotion and respect of provincial agricultural contracts, an essential element to combat gangmastering and ensure fair treatment for all workers.”
In conclusion, the trade unionists emphasized that the fight against gangmastering and exploitation in agriculture represents a fundamental challenge for civilisation, which requires the involvement of all the actors involved. They underlined the importance of informative and preventive policies and initiatives, actively encouraging companies to join the Quality Agricultural Work Network and invest in training and safety at work.
While waiting for a positive response from the regional authorities, the unions reiterated their determination to fight a phenomenon that undermines the dignity and fundamental rights of agricultural workers in Calabria.
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