Milan U.S. consulate workers sign record labor abuse settlement

More than 60 foreign laborers, primarily from India, have signed agreements to receive payouts following a 31-million-euro (approximately $35 million) settlement regarding alleged labor abuses at the construction site of the new U.S. consulate in Milan.

Prosecutors have described the deal as the largest settlement ever for labor exploitation in Europe. The settlement with Alabama-based Caddell Construction covers unpaid overtime, reimbursement for illegal housing deductions, and significant damages. Francesco Brigatti, the court-appointed administrator for the site, noted that individual payouts averaged 45,000 euros ($50,400), with the highest reaching nearly 90,000 euros.

Under the terms of the agreement, workers signed documents promising not to disparage Caddell Construction or disclose specific individual payment amounts. Caddell Construction stated that the settlement does not constitute an admission of liability. Payments are expected to be distributed within 30 days of the signing process.