All articles tagged with #migrant workers
U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz is advocating for new legal protections and a specialized visa program for migrant workers in the construction industry in South Texas, aiming to address industry challenges and ICE raid impacts, while exploring legislative solutions similar to the H-2A program.
A co-working space in Singapore was used as a front by a crime syndicate to launder money and facilitate online scams involving trafficked migrant workers, according to U.S. prosecutors.
Florida farmers are reducing crop production due to fears of deportation and increased costs associated with migrant labor, as immigration policies under the Trump administration lead to worker shortages and economic concerns in the agricultural sector.
A French court sentenced three individuals to jail for human trafficking and exploiting migrant workers in the champagne industry, highlighting poor living conditions and abuse during the 2023 harvest, with ongoing scrutiny and legal actions in the region.
A French court sentenced three individuals, including a company director, to jail for human trafficking and exploiting migrant workers in the champagne industry, where workers were subjected to inhumane conditions and treated like slaves. The case highlights ongoing issues of labor abuse in the region, with further investigations into the treatment of Ukrainian workers and calls for stricter sanctions.
The escalation of ICE immigration raids across the US is causing fear among migrant workers, especially in industries like agriculture and construction, leading some to stay home despite the need to work, which threatens the economy and food production. Despite the Biden administration's previous efforts to reduce workplace raids, recent increased enforcement under the Trump administration's policies is creating a chilling effect on immigrant communities and industries reliant on their labor.
The U.S. Department of Labor is investigating HelloFresh for allegedly employing migrant children at its Illinois facility, with at least six teenagers reportedly working night shifts. The investigation also targets Midway Staffing, the agency responsible for hiring these workers. HelloFresh has terminated its relationship with the staffing agency and emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for child labor. This case is part of a broader issue of underage migrant labor in hazardous jobs across various industries in the U.S.
A Brooklyn restaurant, Guisa’o, is at the center of an illegal food vending operation involving migrant workers who sell meals prepared in its unsanitary kitchen on New York City streets. The operation, which involves up to 50 migrants cooking in a violation-riddled kitchen, has raised health and safety concerns. Local businesses are affected by the unregulated competition, and despite increased enforcement against illegal vendors, the issue persists. The restaurant has a history of health violations and is linked to a shell corporation, complicating accountability.
Migrant workers, primarily from Thailand, continue to farm in northern Israel near the Lebanese border despite ongoing rocket attacks from Hezbollah. These workers, who earn significantly more than they would in their home country, are allowed to work in restricted military zones with permission from the Israeli military. The situation highlights the risks faced by foreign laborers in conflict zones, as well as the economic pressures that drive them to work under such dangerous conditions. Despite calls from Thailand to halt the employment of its nationals in high-risk areas, the practice continues.
Italian police have rescued 33 Indian farm laborers from slave-like conditions in Verona, arresting two Indian men for exploiting them. The workers were promised jobs and better futures but were forced to work long hours for minimal pay to settle debts, with their passports confiscated. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of migrant worker exploitation in Italy.
The death of Indian migrant worker Satnam Singh in Italy, after being abandoned on a road with a severed arm from a farm accident, has sparked outrage and calls for demonstrations. Singh's death highlights the exploitation and inhumane conditions faced by migrant workers in Italy. An investigation into the farm owner for potential manslaughter and failure to assist is underway, and trade unions are demanding reforms to prevent such tragedies.
The H5N1 avian flu virus has jumped to cows on US dairy farms, posing a risk to farm workers who are in close contact with the animals. Two human infections have been documented, and there are concerns about the virus potentially adapting to spread between humans. Migrant farm workers, often undocumented and lacking health insurance, are particularly vulnerable. Experts call for better protective measures, paid sick leave, and widespread testing to prevent a potential pandemic.
Latino workers in Baltimore are too afraid to take on jobs rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge after six migrants died in its collapse last month. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of construction workers, particularly migrant workers, and has put a spotlight on their treatment and the need for better safety provisions. Labor experts point out that it will likely be migrant workers who rebuild the bridge, and there are calls for better salaries and protections for these workers. Organizations are advocating for work permits and visas for the families of the victims, as well as a full investigation into the bridge collapse.
After a deadly terror attack in Moscow, Russian authorities quickly identified the suspects as being from Tajikistan, leading to a wave of xenophobia towards Central Asian migrant workers in Russia. Social media posts and reports of abuse have surfaced, prompting concerns for the safety of migrant workers. Russian President Vladimir Putin called for unity but faces a delicate situation as migrant workers play vital roles in the Russian workforce. The attack has also led to increased tensions between Russia and Tajikistan, with Putin seeking to avoid alienating a close ally.
The American Conservative Values ETF has divested from Tyson Foods and given it a "refuse to buy" rating due to its hiring of migrant and refugee workers, claiming that the practice could alienate customers. Tyson defends its hiring practices, stating that it only employs people legally authorized to work in the US and is committed to combating unlawful employment. The company recently partnered with a nonprofit to hire refugees and asylum seekers, aiming to provide stability and belonging to these employees.