Human Trafficking Case Causes Stir Through Hurricane Katrina Region

Washington, DCNearly 500 workers from India are working throughout the Hurricane Katrina region. Unfortunately, unfair business practices have come into play in the situation. The Indian workers came here under the auspices that they were taking legitimate jobs. During 2006 several hundred pipefitters and welders inquired about ads set forth by a Mumbai recruiting company, Sachin Dewan. The unfair business practice exacted nearly $25,000 in US dollars from each of the Indian workers.

The workers were guaranteed green cards and then permanent residency in the United States. However, when they arrived they were dismayed to find no green cards. Also, they were corralled like cattle in little living quarters as many as 24 workers occupied a 24'x 36' space in bunk beds. They were in the employ of Signal International which operates as a marine construction company. An H-2 B visa was issued for ten months in length which bonded each of the workers to the company. The food they were provided with was low quality and the living conditions were filthy.

In addition, to these issues the workers also were required to pay $1,050 by the company for their meager accommodations. The company said they had taken the time to hire a cook from India when the reports came out even once the quality of the food was deemed to be less than worthy. The workers were infuriated because their jobs were tiring and stressful and a good night's sleep eluded them in these conditions. Workers began to organize a protest a year ago in March to rectify the situation. One worker who helped organize the protest was fired from the company when they learned of his involvement. He was told he would be deported if the activity continued and acts of retaliation were launched against the other workers. Guards were sent in to seize the protestors before morning in a raid on the living quarters. The company denies all allegations and charges against them at this time.

Nearly 100 workers have made their exodus from the camps as of last week. The workers in protest threw their hard hats at the company entrance gates. They are still outraged that more Indian workers are still being recruited to work for the company by a different recruiting agency in Mumbai. S. Mansur & Company is allegedly the new name for Sachin Dewan. The workers are demanding that the U.S. and Indian governments get involved by putting a stop to this trafficking of Indian workers.

The workers have sought and received and audience with the Indian ambassador stationed in Washington, D.C. An investigation is being launched through a consulate in Houston, TX into the matter. Also, a lawsuit is pending in the federal court located in New Orleans regarding the situation. A dollar amount has yet to be disclosed that the workers are seeking to receive from Signal International.

By Delsia Hartford