The Union of Workers in the Production, Cultivation, Processing, and Packaging of Food and Beverages of Western Achaia – Andravida – Kyllini continues its major solidarity initiative for the migrant farm workers, many of whom have been left homeless following the devastating fire in their miserable camp in Nea Manolada.
On Monday afternoon, the union was once again present at the support hub it has set up in the village, distributing water, food, and clothing—while no state institution (neither the government, nor the Region of Western Greece, nor the Municipality of Andravida-Kyllini) has taken any action, almost two weeks after the fire.
The union is organizing the struggle of both Greek and migrant farm workers, registering new members and calling for a united fight by all workers.
In this context, it will visit other areas in the coming days: on Tuesday in Lappas, on Wednesday in Sageika, on Thursday in Kardamas, and on Friday in Apideonas.
Furthermore, the Union and the Patras Labor Center are preparing meetings with the embassies of the countries of origin of the thousands of persecuted migrant workers who work hard under exploitative conditions in the strawberry fields and other crops across the wider region.
Additionally, a delegation from the Union and the Patras Labor Center visited the Fire Department of Lechaina on Monday morning, where they met with the Department Commander.
In response to the unionists’ request to receive the findings on the cause of the fire that destroyed the camp on May 13, the officer in charge of the investigative unit refused to provide them, demanding an official written request instead, and stated that it would be at the discretion of the Commander whether or not to respond. The union representatives strongly denounced this stance, demanding full transparency and that all details of the case be made public, stressing that it is unacceptable for this to happen 13 days after the fire in the camp.
Finally, the Food and Beverage Workers’ Union calls on all workers and their unions to support and strengthen this major initiative of solidarity and struggle organization.
