A temporary shelter for field workers
The city of Lleida has inaugurated a temporary hostel at the Fira de Lleida pavilion, located in the Camps Elisis, which has already received its first 41 seasonal workers. This space, set up by the City Council, aims to provide accommodation for those arriving in the region to work in the fruit harvest during the summer season.
Richard, Acquan, and José are some of the first to benefit from this new service. Coming from different places, these workers have arrived in Lleida with the hope of finding employment on local farms. Richard, who has participated in previous campaigns in the area, highlighted that the facilities are better than last year: “The beds are newer and the chairs too,” he commented happily after his first night.
The hostel has a total capacity for 100 people and will be operational until August 31. During its first week, it is expected to serve as a meeting point for newly arrived seasonal workers before they are transferred to other accommodations where they can stay longer. This year, the City Council has noticed a delay in the arrival of workers; however, agricultural organizations like JARC assure that there are enough hands available to start the campaign.
Another relevant aspect is that there has been a decrease in the number of seasonal workers arriving without work permits. This trend is attributed to the regularization processes being carried out by many migrants. According to Carlos Enjuanes, deputy mayor and councillor for Social Action and Innovation, it is expected that this summer there will be fewer people without proper documentation: “Of the thousand who passed through here last year, 400 did not have permits,” he explained.
In response to the changing needs of the agricultural sector and its workers, a new Temporary Workers' Assistance Centre (CATemporers) is being prepared in the Caparrella area. This centre will have 32 places and will prioritise accommodation for those with valid work contracts. The daily cost will be affordable: only 5 euros per person.
Aside from the CATemporers, there are also other options available such as the 90 places distributed among housing managed by EMAU and an additional hostel in Seròs open from May to September.
The City Council has ambitious plans to further improve these facilities in the future. Enjuanes stated: “There will always be a need for equipment like this.” With two new CATemporers projected and the continuation of the Fira pavilion as an initial shelter, Lleida seeks to ensure decent conditions for those who significantly contribute to the local agricultural sector during this crucial season.
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