Italian unions and regions launch campaigns against seasonal tourism and agricultural labor exploitation

A new campaign promoted by the Filcams CGIL trade union began on July 30 in Pescara, Italy, to draw attention to the conditions of seasonal workers in the tourism sector along the Abruzzo coast. The initiative highlights the reliance of hotels, beach resorts, restaurants and related services on thousands of temporary staff and calls for better contracts, reduced exploitation and stronger labour protections.

On July 31, the Regione Puglia released a video produced by LaboratorioCOM as part of the “La Puglia non Tratta – Insieme per le Vittime” project. The video contrasts the harsh reality of agricultural workers harvesting tomatoes under low pay and unsafe conditions with the everyday consumer buying the produce, aiming to raise awareness of caporalato and forced labour in the sector. It commemorates four migrant workers who died on June 1, 2026, after demanding regular contracts and unpaid wages.

Both efforts seek to raise public debate and improve rights for vulnerable workers in Italy’s tourism and agricultural industries.