CC- Democracy and justice: meeting with the author of a book about gangmastering

One of the traditional sources of profit for Mafia organizations all over the Italian regions is illegal workforce recruitment, commonly known as “caporalato.” (gangmaster system)

Previously believed to be confined only to the South of Italy, this phenomenon has now been proved to have expanded throughout the entire country, including the provinces of Cremona and Mantua.

On April 6, 2024, several students had the opportunity to meet with three of the authors of “Per un lavoro dignitoso,” a book showcasing the results of extensive research on illegal workforce recruitment in our region.

Moreover  the students had the chance to hear firsthand accounts from the victims of local “caporalato”, who shared their personal experiences with them. Prompted by this interaction, the students decided to express their support by writing letters and messages, which will be collected by their teacher and sent to the young individuals who shared their testimonies.
Illegal recruitment not only undermines free competition but also excludes other businesses from the market. Most importantly, it violates workers’ basic human rights, effectively constituting a form of modern slavery. Understanding “caporalato” is essential for being aware of our fundamental rights and for being able to identify instances of their violation.

Ultimately, it serves as an effective tool in the pursuit of justice.