Subcontracted workers in LafargeHolcim’s Cement plant in Sokhna, Egypt are assigned the most hazardous jobs in the plant, one of the many discriminatory labour practices uncovered by an independent research study. 

The researchers report that packers are mostly subcontracted workers that are also compelled to work overtime out of fear of being dismissed; they work for 12 hours, seven days a week.  They also work overtime to earn more because they earn a measly LE 1,000 (USD 63.50), which is half of the national minimum wage of LE 2,000 and below a subsistence wage estimated at LE 2,800 (USD178). In contrast, permanent workers receive salaries substantially higher than the prescribed minimum wage as well as better overtime pay rates. Additional benefits are also provided to permanent workers by the company such as daily meals, accommodation, commuting allowance and medical insurance.