Migrant Workers Exploited in the Czech Republic
Public media in the Czech Republic is highlighting the case of hundreds of migrant workers from Vietnam, Romania, Slovakia, Moldavia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Mongolia being exploited in the Czech Republic working in the national parks and forests operated by the Czech government. These workers were hired by Affumicata, a subcontracting company contracted out by major companies that have received tenders from the State Forests of the Czech Republic.
The workers were promised free accommodations, salaries ranging from 400 to 600 Euros per month, and working and residential documents; however, the reality was far different. For working at least 10 to 12 hours a day for seven days a week for several months, the workers received basically nothing. Instead of free lodgings, they were forced to pay for their accommodations that ranged from local hostels to buildings near the forests.
To date both the Czech government and the main contractors have failed to accept any liability stating it is the responsibility of the Affumicata. Some of the workers have filed a lawsuit against Affumicata seeking compensation for what they believe to be outright labour exploitation.
It is appauling that these new citizens of the Czech Republic have invested their futures on promises of stability, employment and lodgings and only to find out that none of those things have been provided in exchange for their labour.
The government is ultimetly responsible to its citizens even the new ones and should deal with these situations regardless of which contractor has made these promises. They should hold the contractors responsible for promises made. If society as a whole allowed businesses to lie and not be held responsible, what kind of world would we all live in?
Please rectify this situation and help these workers and their families have a decent life.
Thanks in advance!
Brian Humphrey from Canada
These workers should get what they were promised straight away!
You can’t contract out moral responsibility. These people have been exploited based on lies, the Czech Government should rectify the situation.