French employees allegedly fired for refusing to remove headscarves at Elior-Derichebourg
via Algérie3602 min read
An investigation by Mediapart, published on April 20, 2026, highlights alleged discriminatory practices within the French group Elior-Derichebourg. Several female employees claim they were dismissed after refusing to remove their headscarves at their workplace. According to these testimonies, management asked some employees to remove their headscarves, citing a neutrality clause in the internal regulations, particularly for positions involving public contact. These employees state that they were already wearing headscarves when hired without any issues. This change in rules, imposed after their arrival, created unprecedented tensions within the company, against a backdrop of discrimination. The company acknowledges its position. Following notifications, employees were given a deadline to comply with the instruction. Those who refused faced disciplinary procedures, including dismissal for serious misconduct. One alleged victim stated, "We are a minority that can be fired as if it were normal," while others reported a lack of time to adapt. Elior-Derichebourg management acknowledges the existence of "a few individual procedures," while specifying that these measures strictly comply with the group's internal regulations. The company also states that "neutrality" is mandatory for certain assignments, particularly in schools or administrations, where the wearing of religious symbols may be restricted depending on the position. Since its merger in 2023, Elior-Derichebourg employs 1
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