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Article

28 Oct 2006

Author:
AP

Lawsuit claims Cuba forced citizens to work at Curacao shipyard

Alberto Rodriguez...[was]...told...he was being sent to work at a shipyard on Curacao. Over the next three years, Rodriguez claims he and dozens of other men were held as virtual slaves, forced to work long hours for pennies a day in dangerous conditions...Now, Rodriguez and...two other[s]...have filed a federal lawsuit in Miami seeking unspecified damages from the Curacao Drydock Company Inc. for what they claim was a conspiracy in which Cuba provided low-cost, forced labor in return for hard currency..."Curacao Drydock Co. knew that the Cuban laborers that the Cuban government provided to it were not free individuals but...were compelled to perform the will of the Cuban state," said their lawsuit...In a written statement...Curacao Drydock said it strives to "maintain the highest achievable standards of safety work habits"...that all personnel are trained in safety policies [and that]...many of the lawsuit's allegations were focused on Cuba and not the company.

Part of the following timelines

Spotlight on unions and women [Mauritania]: Mahjouba Mint Saleek

Lawsuit filed in USA by 3 Cubans held as "virtual slaves" in Curacao Drydock shipyard - includes comments by the company

Curaçao Drydock Company lawsuit (re forced labour)