Stand in solidarity with European farm workers: end exploitation now!
European Commission, European Parliament, European Council, European Supermarkets and European farms
Petition
We call on the European Union to guarantee human rights, especially decent labour and social standards for all in the agricultural sector. This includes decent accommodation, working conditions, work equipment, safety measures and access to health services for all migrants working on European farms. Ensure access to residence permits and economic compensation for migrants with an irregular status who are survivors of labour violations.
Why is this important?
Satnam Singh was left bleeding by the side of the road, his severed arm in a fruit box beside him. His boss, an Italian farm owner, dumped him there after confiscating the other seasonal farm workers' phones, ensuring no one could call for help. [1]
The death of Satnam is a tragic symbol of the exploitation faced by Europe’s 2.4 million seasonal farm workers who pick our fruits and vegetables. [2] Satnam is sadly not the only migrant farm worker to have suffered or died this summer while working to feed us. [3]
European leaders can no longer ignore the exploitation lurking in every European shopping trolley. Europe prides itself on having the best worker protections worldwide and we must offer these to those feeding us too. [4]
A new European Commissioner for Agriculture is about to start, ready to put their mark on Europe’s farming practice. As they get their bearings on what to focus on, this is the perfect time for us to seize their attention and make sure they cannot ignore this invisible yet essential group of workers.
Let your leaders know that they must treat those who feed us with dignity!
References:
- https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/21/europe/italy-indian-farm-worker-death-intl-latam/index.html
https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/20/indian-farm-worker-in-italy-left-to-die-on-road-with-severed-arm
https://www.groene.nl/artikel/italie-schrikt-van-de-dood-van-sanam-singh
https://thewire.in/rights/satnam-singh-farmer-italy-owner-death - https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/millions-migrant-farm-workers-exploited-europes-fields-says-oxfam
- https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/aug/27/indian-migrant-worker-death-heat-stress-italy
https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/eu-following-deaths-of-migrant-farmworkers-in-italy-human-rights-campaigners-emphasise-need-for-more-workplace-inspections-avenues-for-reporting-abuse/ - https://www.euronews.com/2018/06/07/workers-rights-the-worst-and-best-countries