An Investigate Europe investigation documents accidents and disputed wages involving Romanians building data centers

The investigation examines the case of an electrician seriously injured in Belgium and an agreement worth 15 million Swedish kronor for 78 Romanian workers in Sweden. The companies invoke safety rules and employees’ rights; the Belgian inspection ended without finding any irregularities.

Romanian workers involved in building data centers across Europe report serious accidents, unpaid overtime, and poor accommodation conditions, according to an investigation published on October 30 by Investigate Europe. The journalistic inquiry presents the case of an electrician injured at a Google construction site in Belgium and an agreement to pay 15 million Swedish kronor, approximately 1.3 million euros, to 78 Romanians who worked on a Microsoft project in Sweden.

In brief

1.A Romanian electrician suffered severe burns in March 2026 at the construction site of a Google data center in Saint-Ghislain, Belgium. He worked through contracting companies, not as a direct Google employee.

2.According to Investigate Europe, medical records indicate burns covering 12% of his body and five days of induced coma. The Belgian Federal Labour Inspectorate closed the investigation without finding any irregularities.

3.In Sweden, the Solidariska byggare union negotiated a 15 million kronor agreement for outstanding wages and compensation intended for a group of 78 Romanians. The agreement does not confirm that all amounts have already been paid.

4.Benbau, the subcontractor involved in the Swedish case, confirmed that the agreement had been concluded. Microsoft, Google, and the construction companies cited in the investigation state that they require compliance with labour and safety standards.

5.The investigation is based on interviews, medical records, payslips, and other materials. Workers’ accounts and companies’ responses must be distinguished from the authorities’ findings.

The investigation, conducted over five months together with media partners from nine countries, examines the conditions behind the expansion of Europe’s digital infrastructure. Journalists analyzed contracts, payslips, messages, and recordings and spoke with workers, trade unionists, companies, and authorities. The cases described show how difficult it can be to trace responsibility when the beneficiary of a data center, the builder, subcontractors, and recruitment agencies are different companies.

The electrician in Belgium, whose identity the publication protects, had been recruited through the Dutch company Wanted and worked at a construction site where his activity was coordinated by Dornan Engineering. He reported that, at the end of an approximately ten-hour shift, he was asked to carry out additional tests on an installation that his supervisors had told him had been de-energized. An electric arc struck him while he was working.

The man stated that he was unable to retrieve his protective suit from the locked room where it was located, amid pressure to finish quickly. According to medical records reviewed by Investigate Europe, he suffered second-degree burns to his face and neck and third-degree burns in other areas of his body. He was kept in an induced coma for five days.

The Belgian Federal Labour Inspectorate closed the investigation at the end of October without finding any irregularities, the publication reports. The worker claims that he was not interviewed directly as part of the review and that he was unable to obtain the report. These statements do not change the official result communicated to journalists, but they explain why he disputes how his case was handled.

Dornan stated that it cooperated with the Belgian authorities, supported the worker and his family during the recovery period, and that safety and accident prevention remain priorities. Wanted disputed the journalists’ presentation of the facts. Google referred to the obligations imposed on suppliers through contracts and its code of conduct, including compliance with local labour legislation and ensuring safe conditions.

In Sweden, the investigation describes the situation of Benbau employees at the construction site of a Microsoft data center in Gävle, where Collen was the general contractor. The workers interviewed complained of overcrowded accommodation, the presence of rats, intimidation, and overtime that allegedly was not properly paid. Journalists say they analyzed hundreds of payslips provided by more than 30 workers.

The Solidariska byggare union announced that, several days before the investigation was published, it had secured a 15 million Swedish kronor agreement for 78 Romanians, covering outstanding wages and compensation. Benbau confirmed that the agreement had been signed by all parties. The amount represents the outcome of negotiations, not proof that each beneficiary received the full payment.

Benbau stated that it takes welfare, health, and safety issues seriously and has procedures for reporting them. Collen said that the allegations are incompatible with its values and policies and that it imposes the same standards on subcontractors. Investigate Europe states that it found no evidence that the general contractor knew about the alleged wage deductions. Microsoft said that it requires workers to be treated fairly in accordance with Swedish legislation, including respect for freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Inspections and sanctions fall under the authority of the competent national authorities. The European Labour Authority can coordinate and support joint inspections between states, including through technical assistance and translation. Its role is relevant to construction sites involving companies and workers from several countries, where employment documents, social contributions, and wage payments may involve different jurisdictions.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/news/o-ancheta-investigate-europe-documenteaza-accidente-si-salarii-contestate-ale-romanilor-care-construiesc-centre-de-date