India: UNI Global Union documents patterns of labour rights violations against G4S guards; company responds
In September 2026, the Business and Human Rights Centre invited security giant G4S to respond to a report published by UNI Global Union into labour abuses against G4S security guards in India across four states.
Interviews were undertaken with 104 guards between April and August 2026 from which UNI Global documented "a pattern of unpaid overtime, denial of written contracts and suppression of unionization among the private security guards who protect the country’s malls, factories, offices and construction sites". Six key issues were identified as recurring across each city and worksite type covered in the study: 1) shifts averaging 12 hours, above the eight hours promised verbally on hiring; 2) routine denial of written contracts; 3) up to 12 hours of standing per shift without seating, rest, meal or toilet breaks; 4) outdoor exposure to extreme heat, cold and air pollution without adequate protective equipment; 5) wage deductions for leave; and 6) a pervasive climate of fear around unionization.
What we hear from guards in India is what happens when a global company treats its commitments as optional. This is not just a local management failure – it is a business choice by a global corporation. G4S signed a Global Framework Agreement with UNI promising to respect its workers’ rights arising under local law as well as the right to organize. Freedom of association is not a courtesy G4S extends when convenient; it is a fundamental right. We call on G4S to honour its agreements, respect its workers’ right to organize without fear of retaliation, and bring its practices in India into line with global standards.Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union
The report followed findings from an earlier investigation from UNI Global into conditions for G4S guards in South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. In response to both reports, G4S stated it would conduct an independent review into the allegations. The full statement is attached below.