Working Conditions of Migrant Women in Padua's Cleaning Sector

The cleaning industry in Italy is growing and it is increasingly characterised by contracting and subcontracting dynamics that drive down the expenditure allocated to this item in public and private company budgets, such as universities, shopping centres and large corporations. Despite the sector’s significance, very little research has been conducted on it. This study examines working conditions in the cleaning industry in province of Padua and it investigates whether there is a demand for migrant workers, particularly Nigerians, exploring the underlying reasons. The research is based on semi-structured interviews with cleaners and representatives from the ADL trade union, integrated by data analysis provided by VenetoLavoro, the regional employment agency, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies. The results indicate that, due to the very low wages and the prevalence of part-time contracts, often below 20 hours per week, this can be qualified as “low-income work”, forcing workers to seek additional employment to face the risk of in-work poverty. Approximately 40% of the workforce has a migratory background, with a significant prevalence of women. The majority of workers come from Romania, Nigeria and Morocco. While Nigerian workers do not represent the largest nationality in this sector’s workforce, they constitute a notable portion, particularly in relative terms. This study unveils exploitative dynamics within the sector and highlights the employment trajectories of Nigerian workers in Padua.