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Documented on the original SlaveryMap (2008–2016). We don’t have a verifiable source on file yet. Know one?
What happened
In response to the Devastation brought on by Hurricane Katrina Signal International contracted with a recruiting firm run by Sachin Dewan. Dewan to bring 500 Indian construction workers on H2-B ten month visa. Signal and Dewan required the men to pay up to $20,000 to secure a position and visa. The skilled welders and construction workers were brought to the US under false pretense believing they were receiving permanent residency for their work. Many of the men were forced to live in cramped quarters with 20 other men and required to pay 1,050 for food and shelter.
Response and intervention
As to date no formal criminal charges have been brought against either Signal or the recruiter Dewan. However, after staging a march and 29 day fast in Washington DC the workers have begun to see some progress by the Department of Justice in investigating their case. Today the case remains open. The intervention and relief efforts have been greatly coordinated by the New Orleans Worker Center for Racial Justice. In addition a lawsuit on behalf of the workers was filed by The Alliance of Guest Workers for Dignity against Signal International in federal court. See intervention New Orleans Worker Center for Racial Justice The Alliance of Guest Workers for Dignity The Indian Workers Congress Jobs For Justice And many more Reports by the Indian Workers of abuse which led to the walkout of 100 of the workers.