Italy's agricultural sector relies heavily on migrant workers, many of whom are employed through a system of labor intermediation known as caporalato. This system has been linked to exploitation and was criminalized in 2011, though enforcement has been limited.
The Caporalato System
Caporalato refers to the practice of labor intermediation in which intermediaries (caporali) recruit workers, transport them to farms, and take a portion of their wages. The system was criminalized in Italy in 2011, but it continues to operate in many areas, particularly in southern Italy.
Workers employed through the caporalato system often receive piece rates that work out to significantly less than the legal minimum wage. The caporale takes a portion of the wages, and workers may have little control over their working conditions.
The Satnam Singh Case
In June 2024, Indian farm worker Satnam Singh died following a workplace accident in Latina, south of Rome. Singh's arm was severed by machinery, and farm owner Antonello Lovato reportedly failed to call emergency services. Lovato was charged with murder with malice, and the case is ongoing.
CGIL, Italy's largest trade union, joined the prosecution as a civil party. Union leader Maurizio Landini stated that the case illustrated "the logic of exploitation known as caporalato, which allows for people to be treated like merchandise."
UN Findings
A UN Special Rapporteur who visited Italy reported "extreme levels of labour exploitation and coercion" in the agricultural sector. The rapporteur noted that an estimated 30,000 Sikh workers in Latina province face long working days and poor conditions.
Enforcement Challenges
Despite the criminalization of caporalato in 2011, enforcement has been limited. The agricultural sector is dispersed across rural areas where inspectorates are thinly staffed. Workers may be afraid to report abuse, fearing retaliation and deportation.
