Four farm workers killed: IUF demands justice

The IUF strongly condemns the murder of four farm workers on June 1 in Amendolara, Italy, and stands in solidarity with Italian IUF affiliates FLAI-CGIL, FAI-CISL and UILA-UIL in their fight against the appalling system of gangmasters and the exploitation of migrant workers in agriculture.

Amin, Ullah, Safi and Waseem were burned alive in the minivan that was taking them home from work. According to the sole survivor, Taj Mohammad Alamyar, the four young Afghan workers had not been paid for more than a month and had challenged those responsible for their exploitation. He alleges that the workers were murdered by the gangmasters who controlled their employment, accommodation, and transportation.

FLAI-CGIL has placed Taj Mohammad Alamyar and another worker under its protection and is providing support and assistance as the investigation continues.

The union is calling on law enforcement authorities to identify not only those directly responsible for the killings but also the wider network that profits from the systematic exploitation of agricultural workers. It has urged the Italian government to intensify inspections throughout the agricultural sector and to fully implement Law 199 against labour exploitation and illegal recruitment, including the establishment of local offices in every province and the long-promised reception and support system for migrant workers.

These murders are not isolated incidents. Eleven migrant agricultural workers have died in Italy in the last two weeks alone, while others remain in critical condition. As the major harvest campaigns begin across the country, these tragedies once again expose the harsh realities faced by many workers who produce and harvest our food, including exploitation, dangerous working conditions, inadequate housing and transport, and increasing exposure to extreme heat.

Andrea Coinu, President of the IUF Agriculture Workers Trade Group, said:

"The killings in Amendolara are a horrifying reminder of the violence and exploitation that continue to exist in parts of the agricultural sector. No worker should lose their life for demanding wages they have already earned. These workers came to Italy to work and provide for their families. Instead, they became victims of a system that allows exploitation, illegal recruitment, and impunity to flourish.

The IUF stands shoulder to shoulder with FLAI-CGIL, FAI-CISL and UILA-UIL in demanding justice for Amin, Ullah, Safi and Waseem, protection for the surviving workers, and urgent action to dismantle the criminal networks that profit from migrant labour. Agricultural workers feed the world. They deserve dignity, rights, safety, and respect."

The IUF extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims and supports the demonstration organized by FLAI-CGIL in Amendolara on June 5 to denounce exploitation, illegal recruitment and the conditions that continue to put migrant workers' lives at risk.