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Itinera barred from public projects in Norway after documentary reveals troubling practices in Denmark

Tuesday 3rd 2024 on 21:08 in  
Denmark

In Norway, the Italian construction firm Itinera has been barred from participating in public projects for the next three years. A recent documentary revealed troubling practices related to three large government-funded construction projects in Denmark, including the Storstrøm Bridge, Odense University Hospital, and Zealand University Hospital in Køge, with a combined budget of 18 billion kroner.

Itinera is the primary contractor for these projects, yet several of its subcontractors faced serious accusations in the documentary. Labor Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen has expressed her outrage over the findings and has reached out to law enforcement. She is now considering whether to blacklist Itinera from public tenders in Denmark.

The documentary highlighted issues such as unreported workplace accidents associated with the Storstrøm Bridge, which, while legally mandated, went unreported. It also disclosed that some Albanian workers in Denmark under a special financial scheme were illegally required to return part of their wages to a subcontractor, Tekno Fire.

Investigation findings revealed that Itinera and its associated firms engaged in practices such as wage theft and falsified documentation, raising concerns over their business integrity. Michael Severinsen from the 3F union has called for the exclusion of contractors who fail to ensure compliance with labor laws.

While Itinera has lodged an appeal against its exclusion in Norway, it remains uncertain whether similar actions will be implemented in Denmark. The minister is currently reviewing the situation, considering how Norway’s decision may inform potential actions against Itinera’s practices in Denmark.

Source 
(via dr.dk)