Alba protesters denounce agricultural labor exploitation

Approximately 1,200 people gathered in Alba, Italy, for a demonstration organized by Caritas Alba, trade unions, and local associations to protest against 'caporalato'—the illegal exploitation of agricultural workers. The mobilization aimed to denounce slavery and labor abuse within the vineyards of the Langhe and Roero regions.

During the event, Bishop Marco Brunetti addressed the crowd, stating that exploitation is an offense to human dignity and emphasizing that 'the person comes before profit.' He called for structural interventions regarding housing, social integration, and faster residency permit processes for workers. Don Degiorgis, president of Caritas, also called for corporate responsibility from companies and agricultural consortia.

Trade unions, including CGIL, CISL, and UIL, participated in the protest. CISL Cuneo secretary Enrico Solavagione proposed the creation of an institutional table involving businesses, unions, and institutions to combat exploitation. CGIL described the issue as a systemic emergency. The demonstration followed recent threats made against Don Degiorgis after his previous denunciations of labor conditions. Brief moments of tension occurred when far-right protesters attempted to confront the march, requiring police intervention.