In September 2026, it was reported by various outlets, including Reuters and the Los Angeles Times, that Alabama-based multinational Caddell Construction agreed to a nearly USD35 million settlement for back pay and damages to migrant workers, primarily from India, who were allegedly paid less than USD2 an hour while building the new American consulate in Milan, Italy.
The workers were promised fair wages during recruitment, but their pay stubs showed illegal deductions for food and housing. The workers were reportedly also subjected to “exhausting shifts”, a lack of safety protections, and worked under “constant threat of dismissal”.
The building site was put under judicial administration to restore legal operations. A criminal investigation against the company in Italy is underway. The settlement includes an average payment of USD57,000 to nearly 300 workers, with some receiving up to USD102,000 in unpaid wages and for emotional distress. The agreement includes regularisation of workers.
Unions supporting the workers welcomed the settlement. In a statement issued in June 2026, Caddell said it was proactively cooperating with judicial authorities and was “committed to treating and paying workers fairly”; it has not admitted liability.