As the August 31, 2017 expiration date approached for the current contracts of some 200 direct-hire cleaners at AUC, after considerable exploration of alternatives, the University has contracted with two reputable Egyptian companies to provide housekeeping and grounds cleaning services...Upon the expiry of the term of their employment contracts, Egyptian law requires absolutely no compensation whatever, regardless of years of service, to fixed-term contract employees. Nevertheless, AUC so respects and values the past service of the employees facing the scheduled end of their contracts that we offered an extraordinary ex-gratia transition payment to each employee who would sign a reaffirmation of intent to continue working under the normal terms of his/her contract through the expiry date, without disruption of normal routine...in all cases the exceptional payment is not less than the equivalent of 6 months’ normal salary, or to the end of current fixed-term contracts – whichever is greater. AUC has also...and urged the two companies to hire as many as possible of the University’s current employees in the housekeeping and grounds cleaning areas...

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