Exploited Moroccan Agricultural Workers in France: Unpaid and Living in Inhumane Conditions

2023-12-07 04:40:04

They came to France to work, have still not been paid and are also living in inhumane conditions. Eighteen Moroccan agricultural workers have been waiting for their pay since May, in vain. They arrived in Malemort-du-Comtat in the spring for wine and market gardening work, on a fixed-term contract, for five or six months. But they received no salaryexcept for a few deposits.

Housing without water or electricity

France Bleu Vaucluse went to the house where they are staying, at the entrance to the town. This is a villa still under construction, without water, gas or electricity. In other words, the 18 men who live there are deprived of light, heating, shower, toilet and even electric hotplates to prepare food. “I’m in a lot of pain. We’re cold, we can’t sleep anymore”tells us Driss, 27 years old.

Volunteers from surrounding communities brought them blankets, warm clothes and food. In front of their accommodation, an agricultural cooperative also allows them to recharge their phones to stay in touch with their families in Morocco and offers them coffee in the morning. “It’s shame”confides one of these volunteers, shocked by what he discovered.

It is under these conditions that these men wait for their salary. The labor inspectorate was contacted, An investigation is underway. A first hearing was also held before the Avignon industrial tribunal and it ruled in favor of the Moroccans. “I’m going to pay them,” their employer justifies, “ Michel Jean. I never intended not to pay them, the pay slips are ready, I am waiting for other court decisions.”. The farmer explains that if he did not do it sooner, it was because the workers were demanding more than what was expected.

The public prosecutor seized

Hervé Proksch is a union representative at Force Ouvrière, in particular in charge of the legal department. It is he who represents these workers at the industrial tribunal. He explains that most have employment contracts and therefore speaks of “employer’s failure to pay wages. But for others, there is neither salary nor employment contract. It is therefore hidden work.”

The volunteers who accompany these men talk regarding “human trafficking”. “It inspires me with great disgust, says Alain Gremougin*. I thought that this type of practice did not take place in our country. I am waiting for a reaction from the State. These men must be paid and quickly.”* The public prosecutor of Carpentras is also seized of the case. From now on, this matter therefore goes beyond the scope of the industrial tribunal.

Moroccan workers sleep on mattresses placed on the floor Moroccan workers only have access to one toilet, without flushing The “bathroom” without water is in a deplorable state The blankets are piled up to fight once morest the cold
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