A Nepali migrant worker in Saudi Arabia suffered crushed legs when a metal beam fell from a forklift while working on a Saudi Aramco project. He was employed through a labour supply company, assigned to work for Saipem, which was contracted by Aramco. After the accident, Saipem staff visited him in hospital with gifts and a message that compensation was not their responsibility. The labour supply company allegedly threatened him in hospital and pressured him to leave, then reportedly forced him onto a plane back to Nepal within weeks. Saipem stated it provided full medical assistance. The worker believed Aramco shared responsibility because it benefited from the work and profits.
"Lying in a hospital bed in Saudi Arabia, his legs encased in plaster casts, Shrawan Shah Rauniyar clung to the hope that at least he would be fairly compensated. After all, when his legs were crushed under a giant metal beam that fell off a forklift, he was working on a project belonging to one of the most profitable companies in the world: Saudi Aramco. Rauniyar, a migrant worker from Nepal, was not employed directly by the state-owned energy company, but like tens of thousands of other migrant workers in the Gulf kingdom, he worked for a small labour supply company, which sent him to work on a project managed by the Italian firm Saipem, which in turn was contracted to Aramco."
"When staff from Saipem came to visit him in hospital, they brought him some flowers, chocolates and a blunt message. Don't ask us about compensation. We don't know about it. You're a contract worker for us. Talk to your employer, Rauniyar alleges. But the labour supply company appeared in a hurry to wash its hands of him. Men from the company came to threaten Rauniyar in hospital, he says. Go home. Otherwise, we'll kill you. We'll kick you out on the street. Then who will give you food and shelter? they allegedly told him."
"Rauniyar refused to give in and demanded the compensation he was entitled to in his contract and under Saudi law, but less than three weeks after the accident, he claims staff from the labour supply company forcefully took him to the airport and put him on a plane back to Nepal. Saipem confirmed Rauniyar was injured and said it ensured full medical assistance for him. Rauniyar believes some of the responsibility for his fate lies with Aramco. I get enraged thinking about Aramco. Since it is taking workers from other companies, shouldn't they pay attention to them? It's their responsibility, too, he says."
"Aramco has become rich selling our sweat and blood. Aramco is one of the wealthiest, most profitable and influential corporations in the world. Photograph: Ahmed Jadallah/R"
Read at www.theguardian.com
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