Autopsies found that all three died of traumatic asphyxia, meaning the weight on their chests stopped them breathing. Two co-workers saw the accident and are traumatized. The three men had arrived in Mauritius in May on three-year work permits. The police and the ministry of labour have opened separate inquiries into the cause.
Support for migrant workers
IndustriALL affiliate Confédération des Travailleurs des Secteurs Public et Privé (CTSP) has defended migrant workers in Mauritius for decades.
“CTSP is campaigning for migrant workers to enjoy the same rights as Mauritian workers, including on occupational health and safety and equality before the law. We are also challenging why migrant workers are not covered by the Workmen’s Compensation Act. Every worker’s life, dignity and safety must be valued equally,”
said CTSP president Reeaz Chuttoo.
Since 2018 the union has run the Migrant Resource Centre in Port Louis, which it set up with IndustriALL, Anti-Slavery International and the online retailer ASOS. The centre gives free information on rights, runs monthly awareness sessions and handles grievances for workers from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Madagascar and the Philippines. Bangladeshis are the largest group and the centre supports them in Bangla. Occupational health and safety is one of its focus areas.
The cases it handles include recruitment fees, unpaid wages, poor access to health care, squalid dormitories and neglected safety. Mauritius employs more than 51,000 migrant workers in manufacturing, construction, tourism and agriculture, according to the ministry of labour.
Paule-France Ndessomin, IndustriALL regional secretary for Sub-Saharan Africa, said:
“We offer our condolences to the families of the deceased workers. The circumstances of the accident must be fully investigated. No worker should lose their life while performing routine duties. It is appalling that workers continue to be killed in this manner.”