Last October 12, 2023, a case was filed against the U.S. construction company Jacobs Solutions Inc. (based in Dallas, Texas), and its subsidiaries, for violating a U.S. law (Trafficking Victims Protection Act), that prohibits trafficked or forced labor even when the alleged practice occurs outside of the United States. Hundreds of workers were reportedly killed and injured, leading to the World Cup opening in 2022. Two U.S. law firms are representing Filipino migrant workers, including Sparacino PLLC.
According to a report, there were hundreds or even thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) recruited to work in Qatar for the construction of the stadiums and other infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup, and many of them were allegedly exploited and unfairly treated by their employers (direct and indirect) in Qatar. They were subjected to work in dangerous and unsafe conditions and were forced to live in cramped dirty barracks. In addition, they were required to work up to 72 hours straight under the sun’s heat without food and water.
The report also added, that as foreign workers, their passports were confiscated, preventing them from finding new jobs and barring them from returning to the Philippines. Some workers claimed that were not paid with their full wages.
It was also reported that construction companies were aware of the human rights abuses in Qatar but chose to continue exploiting the workers. Around 40 complainants were included in the initial list filed in the federal court in Denver, Colorado. The law firm is expecting more names to come forward as the case progresses.
And who’s qualified to be included in the list of complainants? According to the law firm’s site, if you have worked on any type of construction project in Qatar related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, you may be eligible. The lawyers will need to review the facts of your employment as an OFW during the construction period to determine eligibility. You must furnish clear evidence that you were a documented OFW working on construction in Qatar and which companies employed you. Documents needed include passports, visas, and employment contracts.
For all OFWs who are victims of the above unfair labor practices and human trafficking, you may contact Sparacino PLLC, an American commercial litigation law firm, headquartered in Washington, DC. You can check their website at http://qatarcase.com/ or text their partners at Global Rights at +639221101276/+639761574673. Then provide your name, email, address, cell phone number, and/or WhatsApp or Viber number, and when you worked in Qatar. All the information you provide shall remain confidential. (MBL)
