Moroccan fruit pickers say they were exploited, harassed in Spain

Ten women who left their children at home in Morocco to earn money picking strawberries in southern Spain have said they were lied to, exploited and even sexually harassed.

They told AFP how their seasonal jobs turned into a nightmare, with punishing work schedules, “free” accommodation they had to pay for, and in one case attempted rape by a manager. The claims have prompted fears that such exploitation may be more common across the industry in Spain’s south, which is Europe’s top fruit and vegetable exporter.