BWI to Heidelberg Materials-France: Stop endangering workers' safety
The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) is once again protesting against the unacceptable working conditions and lack of social dialogue at the Calcia cement plant in Couvrot, France—one of Heidelberg Materials Group’s subsidiaries. The situation is intolerable and violates the company’s stated values.
Since 2023, numerous alerts and warnings have been sent to both the management in France and Heidelberg Materials Group. Unfortunately, these strong signals have been downplayed or outright ignored.
Workers say, "enough contempt and danger!"
The employer, HM Couvrot, has repeatedly demonstrated contempt for workers’ safety and well-being. Its actions blatantly endanger employees' physical and mental health, as well as their lives. According to the BWI affiliate, CGT FSNB, workers face the following unacceptable conditions:
- Degrading Working Conditions: HM consistently ignores safety standards, exposing employees to significant daily risks.
- Non-Compliance with Safety Obligations: The employer fails to ensure safe working conditions across multiple areas.
- Disregard for the Social and Economic Committee (SEC): The company repeatedly neglects its obligations to inform the SEC about new products, dust hazards, and other risks, despite repeated alerts.
Faced with these circumstances and after months of ignored warnings, CGT Couvrot has taken radical action. Legal proceedings have been initiated against HM Couvrot for violating its obligations to safeguard employees' physical and mental well-being and for disregarding the prerogatives and rights of the SEC concerning workplace risk prevention.
BWI’s strong message to Heidelberg Materials
In a letter to Ms. Carmen-Maja Rex, Director Group HR, BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson condemned the intolerable situation, calling it a direct contradiction of Heidelberg Materials Group’s claimed values.
“Heidelberg Materials’ Policy on Human Rights clearly reveals gaps in scope and implementation. We urge your company to intervene to end these serious violations of national law and disregard for public authorities' recommendations. Proper due diligence must be conducted, and local unions must be engaged to find mutually acceptable solutions,” Yuson stated.
He also emphasised the need to ensure occupational safety, health, and respect for union officials' dignity: “We call upon you to ensure that all union officials are treated with respect and dignity.”
Violations of international standards
The issues in France go beyond national law and collective bargaining agreements. They also involve violations of international human rights standards, including:
- OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- International Labour Organization (ILO) Standards, particularly those concerning fundamental rights
BWI has pledged to inform Heidelberg Materials’ shareholders about these ongoing violations.
Solidarity with workers
BWI stands in solidarity with its colleagues at the Calcia cement plant, underscoring that no worker should be forced to endure dangerous working conditions. Heidelberg Materials must act now to uphold its responsibilities and ensure a safe and dignified workplace for all.