The exploitation of migrants in agriculture is one of the forms of slavery closest to us, as it is linked to 'Italian origin' and 'Spanish origin'. How to vote No to this system?
The illegal hiring in Italy it is a historical and at the same time current phenomenon. The Rocco Criminal Code has already provided for the penalty since 1930, which was updated at the end of 2016. With the adoption of precautionary measures on farms where crimes are committed. And extension of responsibilities both to employers and to the legal persons involved. (1)
The impunity of agricultural enterprises which benefit from the criminal exploitation of workers, Agrinsieme recalls, (2) is among other things a cause of unfair competition to the detriment of those who instead respect the rules for their protection. The European Commission has indicated 'a balanced political strategy'. (3) To be adopted, theoretically, through measures to mitigate the phenomenon. And interventions that - thanks to the involvement of the social partners - guarantee its application.
From words to deeds, Fortress Europe it remains unable to guarantee the human dignity of those who have reached our shores and are nevertheless victims of further exploitation in the agricultural supply chains of the European Union. Which still owe the rescue and assistance in the shantytown of Mediterranean Europe to the much-maligned NGOs. Often finding themselves in shortage not only of decent housing, drinking water and electricity, but also of health care. Besides trade union, ca va sans dire.
The situation in Spain it doesn't seem to be better. The greenhouses of Europe in Almeria - a sea of plastic, covering 35 hectares of land - in turn occupy about 40.000 illegal immigrants, without paper. They live in conditions equally deprived of dignity, as the recent shows French documentary by Arte.tv. With the aggravating circumstance - in Spain, as in Italy - of the exposure of illegal workers to the dangers associated with the use of pesticides in the absence of suitable training and personal protective equipment.
Fruit and vegetables 'origin Italy' and 'origin Spain' it is therefore not in itself synonymous with the quality or the value of the productions of the northern coasts of the Mediterranean. Instead, it is often synonymous with exploitation, slavery, violation of fundamental human rights. In defiance, among other things, of the international conventions agreed at the ILO, International Labor Organization, even before the European aggregation. (4) The rules exist, but they are systematically violated to the detriment of the latter. So?
The consumers are the only ones, once again, to be able to change the state of things. Through prudent purchasing choices, which steal revenues from the dirty supply chain. How? Without falling into trap of offers 'at all costs'. Taking care rather to buy fruit and vegetables and vegetable preserves that come exclusively from certified supply chains or in any case able to guarantee respect for the dignity and rights of workers.
Il Coop Italia's 'Buoni & Giusti' project takes care to verify and certify the legality of the work at all suppliers of branded products. There are also local initiatives, such as the new solidarity village of Focsiv with Coldiretti in Rosarno, as well as those of various social cooperatives and NGOs in the area. With the aim of integrating the supply chain - from the farm to the fork - in the name of value and respect. Towards work, the environment and people. (5)
No warranties, no purchases. This is the only way to change. Progress.
Footnotes
(1) Law 29.10.16 n. 199. The comments of Fabio Ciconte and Stefano Liberti are valuable, on http://www.terraonlus.it/component/k2/item/531-la-legge-sul-caporalato-e-il-primo-passo-contro-la -dirty-food-supply-chain
(2) Agrinsieme represents the companies and cooperatives belonging to Cia, Confagricoltura, Copagri and Alliance of agri-food cooperatives (which in turn includes Agci-Agrital, Fedagri-Confcooperative and Legacoop Agroalimentare)
(3) Communication 24.10.07, 'Strengthen the fight against undeclared work', COM (2007) 628
(4) For example, the ILO Convention 19.6.1947 is cited on labor inspection in industry and commerce
(5) Valoro, or 'Value of Labor', in the definition coined by Captain Vito Gulli, enlightened and revolutionary entrepreneur, former president of Conserve Italia
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
