France: Protests over death of Malian worker employed by Sade amid alleged "safety issues" at Bassin d’Austerlitz site ahead of Olympics; incl. co. non-response
In June 2024, Al Jazeera reported on a protest at Pont d’Asterlitz, a bridge over the Seine in Paris, calling for justice for a Malian worker employed by French construction company, La Sade, who was killed while working on a construction project at Bassin d’Austerlitz.
The rally was organised by the union Confederation Generale du Travail (CGT). CGT's union delegate for Sade alleges ‘serious’ safety violations at the construction site.
There were serious safety issues. There were no signs for pedestrian crossings, no traffic flow, the trucks did not have a beep sound when backing up, even though there was poor visibility. There was no one directing the trucks.Lyes Chouai, CGT’s union delegate for Sade
The construction project aims to prevent rain and wastewater from flowing into the Seine to clean the river ahead of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. The CGT delegate for Sade highlights “stress” and “pressure” put on workers to meet Olympic deadlines. The article describes other workplace accidents linked to large construction companies involved in Olympic infrastructure projects.
The article also describes how the Olympic Organising Committee established a ‘social charter’ signed with unions and employers in 2019, which promised to tackle working conditions. CGT general secretary said the Charter has “made it possible to reduce the danger of construction sites”. As part of the Charter, many projects are directed by SOLIDEO, where there are more regulations. The Bassin d’Austerlitz project is not part of this group.
We want justice for Amara. Justice would be when the management, the multinational companies in charge of construction projects, are held accountable for their lack of security.Lyes Chouai, CGT’s union delegate for Sade
In June, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Sade to respond to the article. Sade did not respond.