Bulgarian builders 'exploited for months' on NATO site

Around 200 Bulgarians were exploited for months by a contractor on a NATO building site in Brussels, La Dernière Heure reports. The information only came to light during an investigation into illegal practices on the site of the future prison in Marche-en-Famenne, Namur province, which has resulted in charges being brought against a Bulgarian building firm, Top Story. The company is accused of exploiting nearly 200 workers, who were paid €6 an hour, in accordance with Bulgarian norms, for working day that exceeded the legal Belgian maximum of eight hours. Furthermore, the company often failed to pay its workers. In early July, an inspection on the site of Marche prison revealed that there were around 10 Bulgarians working at the site, hired by a Bulgarian company. The contractor confessed that he also used 185 men at the NATO site in Evere. The site benefits from diplomatic immunity, meaning inspectors did not have access to it for a long time. It was revealed that around 70 Bulgarians were living in one house, nine to a room, in conditions described by work inspectors as “modern-day slavery”. The prosecution demands a fine of €235,200 and the confiscation of €357,000. A ruling is expected on October 25.

(iFocus)