The American University of Cairo (AUC) will not renew contracts for 170 housekeeping and grounds cleaning staff members. Citing efficient resource management, AUC has decided to outsource campus cleaning services to two Egyptian companies. AUC’s cleaners, most of whom have been working for the university for the past 6 to 9 years, initiated a strike on July 16 against what they call an "unfair" settlement. They were reportedly offered a six-week pay severance package. On July 27, striking workers ended a two-week sit-in on campus after the AUC filed a legal complaint. 

The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited AUC to respond to workers’ claims, which were published in an article by Mada Masr. Both the article and AUC’s statement are available below.