Foreign workers involved in the construction of a $350 million U.S. Consulate in Milan reported being paid less than $2 an hour, despite promises of fair wages. This information comes from interviews conducted by the Associated Press with five former employees and a review of their employment documents. Italian prosecutors are currently investigating Caddell Construction, based in Montgomery, Alabama, which is responsible for the project. Two managers from the company were arrested on suspicion of labor exploitation, one attempting to leave the country and the other planning to flee.
The investigation, led by prosecutor Paolo Storari, has been ongoing for about six months and involves around 70 workers, primarily from India. Allegations against Caddell include illegal deductions for room and board from wages and enforcing long working hours of 10 hours a day, six days a week. Some workers reportedly received as little as 500 euros (approximately $580) monthly after deductions.
Both Caddell and the U.S. State Department have stated they are investigating the claims and are cooperating with Italian authorities. The State Department emphasized that it does not tolerate labor exploitation. Caddell has committed to ensuring compliance with labor standards and is conducting its own inquiry into the situation.
The workers, who spoke anonymously due to fear of retaliation, described threats from management when they questioned their pay. Many reported being fired without cause and struggling to find housing after losing their jobs. The investigation has drawn attention to labor practices in the construction industry, particularly regarding foreign workers in Italy.