Waiting In Pain: Migrant's Case Highlights Modern Slavery In Germany

Modern Slavery Alive And Well In Germany
KLAISTOW, GERMANY - MAY 2: Just -harvested, processed asparagus awaits storage May 2, 2006 at the Buschmann & Winkelmann GmbH farm in Klaistow, Germany, in the area near Beelitz famous for its asparagus. The annual asparagus harvest, which runs from early April to mid-June, draws thousands of foreign migrant workers, mostly from Poland. Local German government officials are trying to lure German unemployed to take part in the harvest, though so far the response has been muted. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
KLAISTOW, GERMANY - MAY 2: Just -harvested, processed asparagus awaits storage May 2, 2006 at the Buschmann & Winkelmann GmbH farm in Klaistow, Germany, in the area near Beelitz famous for its asparagus. The annual asparagus harvest, which runs from early April to mid-June, draws thousands of foreign migrant workers, mostly from Poland. Local German government officials are trying to lure German unemployed to take part in the harvest, though so far the response has been muted. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Injured on the job, a Bulgarian migrant worker desperately needs surgery, but his official status as an independent contractor has allowed the companies involved to shirk responsibility. His case exposes a troubling gray area in Germany's labor market.

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot