The recent death of Satnam Singh, a laborer from Agro Pontino, who perished following injuries sustained in an accident at work, has prompted the Meloni government to declare war on gangmastering. This announcement was made during a meeting held at the Ministry of Labor in the presence of Minister Marina Calderone and her colleague from Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, along with trade union and employer representatives.
Minister Calderone stated that the aim is to combat a system that degrades work, puts human lives at risk and hinders the growth of strategic sectors like agriculture. Meanwhile, Minister Lollobrigida emphasized that in such situations there is a tendency to criminalize one link in the supply chain, such as agricultural businesses rather than the actual criminals responsible for the tragedies.
The opposition has expressed skepticism towards the government’s promises, calling for more concrete and effective actions rather than just words. Members of various political parties and unions shared their views on the matter, highlighting the need for stricter control systems and more support for exploited workers.
A demonstration and fundraiser have been planned to support Satnam Singh’s family. Efforts are being made to address his widow’s needs, including providing her with a residence permit for special protection. The tragic death of Satnam Singh has brought attention to the issue of exploitation and gangmastering in Italy’s countryside, prompting calls for action and solidarity from various sectors of society. The importance of implementing effective measures to combat these practices and protect vulnerable workers has been underscored by political leaders, unions and community members alike.
