A research that was carried out by Profundo shows that workers at the cement company Lafarge Holcim in Jordan and Egypt have been subject to discrimination and further exposed to poor health and work conditions. The reports alleges that Lafarge Holcim in Jordan has been currently relying massively on subcontracting. The company has also failed to pay overtime to its workers imposing mental strain on them, especially women and migrant workers. The research further alleges that subcontracted workers and migrant workers have been subject to discrimination as they receive less wages than direct workers carrying out the same jobs. Also, women workers have been facing discrimination as the company discourages them from applying for position they are qualified for. Moreover, the research said that the company has often used union busting tactics to shrink the space and prevent freedom of association.

Similarly, the research claims that Lafarge group in Egypt has failed to pay living wages to its subcontractors and that subcontractor workers are exposed to hazardous working conditions. It also provides that subcontracted workers have been subject to discrimination in comparison to permanent workers of the company.

The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre contacted the company for a response. Lafarge Holcim has provided the following response regarding the situation in Egypt. We have also received the comments below in response to the allegations of labour rights abuse in Jordan.