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26 Oct 2020

Guinea: Marriott responds to dismissal of 2 elected union leaders who raised workplace concerns at IFC funded Marriott-Sheraton hotel

On 7 October 2020, two elected union leaders - Amadou Diallo and Alhassane Diallo - were dismissed from the Marriott-Sheraton Grand in Conakry, Guinea, after raising awareness of fundamental labour rights issues, including health and safety in the workplace. Labour groups say these dismissals are part of an ongoing pressure campaign by the hotel against unionised workers, and are calling for the reinstatement of the two leaders and for the Marriott-Sheraton Grand to respect freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Palma Guinea/ Topaz Group - which runs the Marriott-Sheraton Grand Conakry - is a recipient of a loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The IFC's Labor Performance Standard prohibits union busting, and is a requirement of the loans it provides to companies. The IFC has also noted the increased risk and visibility of reprisals in the context of COVID-19, and has produced guidance to its clients on their obligations not to retaliate against union or other workplace organising.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited the IFC, Marriott and Palma Guinea/Topaz Group to respond to the dismissal of the two elected union leaders and allegations of union busting. Marriott responded and its response is included below. The IFC and Palma Guinea/Topaz Group did not respond.

Company Responses

Marriott View Response
Topaz Group

No Response

International Finance Corporation

No Response

Timeline