Every year, thousands of migrant workers flock to the south of Spain for the olive-picking season. But with this year’s financial turmoil, most of them are without a job: unemployed Spaniards are coming back. Sitting and waiting in vain. Dozens of immigrant workers come here every day, hoping someone will stop by to hire them. But this year, only about 700 immigrants have managed to get a job in the olive fields- that's ten times fewer than last year. Adama is one of the lucky ones. He kept his job earning 48 euros a day. Adama Tangara, Olive Picker, from Mali, “The Spaniards have taken our place. It used to be only immigrants working in the fields but this year the situation has reversed: the Spanish have come back and we, immigrants, are left out.” To blame? The economic crisis. This year, about 15,000 locals who lost their jobs in other sectors have turned back to olive picking. Andres is an unemployed mason. But for him, it’s now back to the fields. Andres Martinez Valera, Mason, “I've always thought that, if I were to lose my job, I'd come back here. You work 40-50 days in a row in the olive industry, so you can forget unemployment.” At this time of year the small town of Ubeda- a UNESCO heritage site- is an immigration hub but with no work and no roof above their heads, many immigrants turn to charities for help. Francisco Moreno, Head of Caritas, Ubeda , “We've had up to 700 people here in this Caritas canteen, it's exceptional compared to other years- we used to have just 180-200 people a night.” The Red Cross dormitory is full as well and this immigrant hasn't even unpacked his work clothes- he’s giving himself another week before trying his luck elsewhere.
Every year, thousands of migrant workers flock to the south of Spain for the olive-picking season. ...
