The IFBWW has signed an International Framework Agreement with the German-based company Schwan-Stabilo, covering over 2.900 employees worldwide producing writing and drawing instruments and cosmetic pencils around the world.
Geneva / Switzerland, 12 September 2005: An agreement has been signed by the management of Schwan-Stabilo and the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) and IG Metall Germany on 7 September 2005 in Heroldsberg near Nuremberg in Germany.
This new agreement with Schwan Stabilo - an internationally leading producer of writing and drawing instruments and of cosmetic pencils representing 281 million euro a year - acknowledges the company's responsibility and its support of and compliance with the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) standards. The company expects that its suppliers apply similar principles as a basis for enduring business partnership.
The agreement stipulates that ILO conventions Nr. 87 (Freedom of Association) and Nr. 98 (right to collective bargaining) will be respected. It also includes prohibition of child labour and forced labour and sets out standards on non-discrimination in employment, payment of decent wages, working hours, health and safety and decent working conditions.
The monitoring mechanism set up includes a representative from the management, the works council, IG Metall and IFBWW. For IFBWW General Secretary, Anita Normark "The verification of the company's efforts regarding international labour standards is crucial for the IFBWW and requires the assistance of our Federation's 278 affiliates in 127 countries."
Based in Heroldsberg near Nuremberg, Schwan-Stabilo is a company with a long tradition. Founded 150 years ago, it is still owned by the Schwanhäußer family. It has a supplier and distribution network in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. Its production subsidiaries in the Czech Republic, Malaysia and China, in particular, made major contributions to growth as well as the one in Brazil, founded few years ago.
