The Marche regional chapter of the left-wing CGIL trade union published a survey showing that migrant workers employed in the logistics sector by e-commerce platforms are being exploited.
The study was unveiled at the labor union's regional headquarters in Ancona. A survey on the working conditions of migrant workers employed in logistics by e-commerce platforms presented on October 27, found that one in five employees polled worked without a contract, undertaking dangerous tasks, that one in four were discriminated against and that nearly half suffered physical problems caused by overworking.
The poll was commissioned by the CGIL trade union's chapter in the central Italian Marche region, in cooperation with its transport workers' and temp workers' national sections, respectively FILT CGIL and NIDIL CGIL.
The study was conducted by Vittorio Lannutti, a sociology professor at the University of Urbino and Marche Polytechnic University.
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8,722 migrants employed in first quarter of 2024
The results of the research were illustrated on October 27 during the congress 'The price of delivery: logistics, platforms and the exploitation of migrant workers in Marche,' held at CGIL's headquarters in Ancona, the central region's main city.
Marche has about 3,300 supply chain companies employing an estimated 15,000 people. According to data provided by the Marche region, 8,722 migrants worked in 'warehousing and transport' in the first quarter of 2024, including 6,558 non-EU citizens, 2,047 EU citizens and 117 foreign workers of unknown nationality.
The poll was carried out on a sample of 189 workers. A reported 76.5 percent of those surveyed had an open-ended contract, 21.9 percent had a short-term contract and 1.6 percent were on-demand workers.
About 32.6 percent earned between 1,601 and 1,800 euros per month, 23.4 percent less than 1,400 euros. The majority of those surveyed had low-skilled jobs: 69 percent were warehouse workers, 20.3 percent worked in transport and 8.6 percent in last-mile delivery.
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Union calls for dialog with Region and institutions
"Migrant work is still characterized by inequality and marginalization and includes true forms of exploitation with 'grey' and 'black' (undeclared) work and violations of working hours and health and safety rules," said Eleonora Fontana, the regional leader of CGIL Marche.
Interviews and reports included in the study also found that 800 employees, including temporary workers, are expected to be hired with the opening of an Amazon hub in the Marche city of Jesi.
"For this reason, it is important to open a discussion with the region and local institutions to guarantee utmost integration and transparency. Training will also be fundamental, starting with language courses as well as safety and labor rights", added Fontana.
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