The IFBWW has signed another international framework agreement with the Lafarge Group, the world leader in building materials, which employs 77,000 people in 75 countries and posted sales of €14.4 billion in 2004.
Geneva / Switzerland, 14 September 2005: On Monday 12 September, the Lafarge Group, the IFBWW (International Federation of Building and Wood Workers), the ICEM (International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions) and the WFBWU (World Federation of Building and Woodworkers Unions) met in Paris for the signature of an international agreement concerning Lafarge's approach to social responsibility and international labour relations, which will apply to the 75 countries in which the Group is present.
This agreement enshrines the Group's commitment to social responsibility through dialogue with staff representatives on an international level.
Lafarge is affirming its determination to respect at international level the following international labour standards as set down in the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and recommandations. It means, for example, the prohibition of child labour and forced labour, the observance of the rights of workers to join trade unions and to take part in free collective bargaining, the right to decent wages and working hours, health and safety conditions.
A reference group, comprised of representatives from Lafarge senior management and signatory international federations, will meet at least once a year to monitor the situation and draft an annual report for public release. This agreement is open ended.
Anita Normark, General Secretary of IFBWW welcomed the commitment of Lafarge to apply international labour standards at all worksites worldwide. "The value added of the agreement with Lafarge must be seen, that the three federations have a global network of trade unions which are able to monitor the agreement."
For Christian Herrault, the Group's Executive Vice President: "Lafarge is convinced that there can be no sustainable economic success without progress in the fields of social responsibility and environmental protection. Consequently, this broader vision which goes beyond economic factors to embrace human, labour and environmental aspects has been built into our programmes underpinning performance and managerial processes. Since its founding, the Group has consistently valued the central role played by its workforce within the company and signature of this agreement represents a further step forward in our ongoing dialogue with staff."
"We welcome Lafarge’s commitment to uphold high principles of social responsibility in all global operations, whether it’s on workers’ rights, union recognition, environment, health and safety, or other recognised international work standards," stated ICEM General Secretary Fred Higgs.
Stefaan Vanthourenhout President of WFBW, sees in the agreement a good investment in social dialogue: "Social dialogue between our unions and Lafarge will increase productivity and in this regard improve the competitiveness of the company".
Lafarge, holds top-ranking positions in all four of its divisions: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete, Roofing and Gypsum.
For the agreement and the photos, click here.
