C0009 Egypt

In September 2022 and November 2022, the IRM received two complaints related to concerns over working conditions and access to grievance mechanism in the Benban Solar Park, with relevance to FP039. The complainants were formerly employed by the company Health and Safety Home, working at various projects in the Benban Solar Park. The complainants raise several allegations regarding working conditions and labour management issues, including quality of food provided and differential treatment of employees in terms of salary, benefits and promotions, prevention of access to grievance mechanism, and retaliation for filing complaints. Complainants have alleged lack of community development in the village (Benban) where the project is based. Complainants have indicated that they are not seeking confidentiality, but per the IRM's risk assessment, the risk of retaliation remains high. While the IRM is not granting confidentiality, the identities of the complainants will not be disclosed in public communications, per the risk assessment. After the two complaints were declared eligible, the case entered the initial steps phase, during which all parties indicated their willingness to resolve the issues through the problem solving process. In a joint meeting held on 14 and 15 December 2023, the case reached a partial settlement through a comprehensive Problem Solving Agreement, addressing the community concerns and outlining a path forward for collaboration between BSDA and the Benban community. Additional complaints related to employment matters are handled separately and will be subject to a distinct set of agreements should the Parties reach agreements through problem solving.