International framework agreements
Amicus International work seeks to
protect and raise labour standards worldwide. The global operations
of companies such as multi-national corporations have called on the
need for workers and their unions to organise globally.
For too long companies, have been able to pick and choose
countries, workers and jurisdictions to suit their private business
interests; profit. Civil society can no longer accept this nor
should we accept their word on social responsibility, self audits
are no longer credible with all the corporate scandals such as
Enron, who believes them?
Global Union Federations present opportunities for all
unionists around the world to build social dialogue with
multi-nationals. Recently the International Metalworkers Federation
held a Conference in Frankfurt to suggest recommendations seeking
to support affiliates in the future on the direction and
co-ordination of union solidarity campaigns. These campaigns are
aimed at limiting multi-nationals power by asking that
multi-nationals observe and act upon internationally recognised
labour standards.
Making Multi-National Corporations
accountable?
With over a quarter of the global economy is in the hands of
200 companies, multi-national corporations (MNCs) make up 51 of the
worlds biggest 100 economies. These powerful global powers diminish
the relevance of national governments. Workers can no longer rely
solely on their governments or NGOs to make multi-nationals
accountable. Workers need to call on their MNC to abide by its
civic duty to treat human life with respect and dignity. Workers
need to get active locally in their workplaces and campaign
globally to reverse this trend of corporate greed.
FACT: Today there are over 15 million children working
to make items that enter into international trade. Forced or slave
labour still occurs on a massive scale in some countries to produce
textiles, gold, diamonds, agricultural exports and other
commodities. Trade unionists in some countries are imprisoned or
beaten for participating in demonstrations, many are tortured or
killed for exercising their human right to organise and belong to a
union.
What are International Framework Agreements
(IFA)?
International Framework Agreements (IFAs) are one way in which
the global union movement is reacting to the power of MNCs in the
global economy. IFAs are about negotiating agreements between
the Global Union Federations and MNCs that guarantee respect for
fundamental labour rights, at the minimum, for all workers in
that company in all locations around the world.
Intrinsic to the IFA is the social benefits for unions in
building global networks and solidarity. Building
contacts between unions and shop stewards around the world is a
first step in building global solidarity between workers in that
company and limiting the MNC’s ability to play workers off against
each other.
Fact: Currently 2 million workers are covered by the
34 global agreements, so far 10 of these are signed by the
International Metals Federation followed by International
Federation of Chemical Energy Mine and General Workers 8,
International Federation of Building Wood Workers 6, International
Union Federation of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant,
Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers Association and Uni both have
concluded 5 and the European Organisation of the International
Textile, Garment and Leather Workers Federation have one single
IFA.
To learn more about your Global Union Federation log
onto to your sectors webpage click here.
How can you make a difference?
Start by researching your company, find out if the company
structure is part of a larger company, is it a joint venture,
holding company. Most companies provide their Annual report online;
this is a good resource particularly as it discloses the size and
locations of the company’s branches globally.
European Works Council representatives are also another
important resource, using their contacts workers can get a better
picture on the size and location of the business, its suppliers and
contractors and the financial situation of the company. Speak to
your International Officer to find out whether your multi-national
has a European Works Council.
Furthermore your Union office can access more critical
information about your company. International Officers can identify
if the company has collective agreements in other countries,
discover how many are covered by these agreements, and discover
what the management attitudes towards its workers is like
overseas.
Don’t forget building global solidarity starts in your
workplace. Talk to your work colleagues today about the importance
of building camaraderie with other workers across the globe. The
International Officers can assist you with this process by
providing you with the tools you need to talk about the issues. For
example the different types of strategies to building solidarity
such as a global email network, or campaigning strategies such as
community or consumer driven campaigns.
The next stage is to actually make contacts with your
colleagues around the world and begin to share information.
E-mail lists can be formed for key union EWC representatives, and
senior delegates from English speaking countries. With the
assistance of the GUF, arrangements can be made to translate the
material to the other non-English speaking countries in order to be
more inclusive. An easy way to start is to start exchanging
newsletters and basic information on negotiations taking place in
your workplace or company.
What’s in an IFA?
The conclusion of an IFA can be a long-term outcome of
building global solidarity. IFA campaigns are co-ordinated
and led by the Global Union Federations. Most IFA’s contain
the International Labour Organisations minimum labour standards.
The International Labour Organisation is part of the United
Nations, these established standards have been agreed by
governments, employers and unions and are fundamental to human
rights at work, see below.
Freedom of Association
- Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to
Organize Convention, 1948 (No. 87)
- Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining Convention,
1949 (No. 98)
The Abolition of Forced Labour
- Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29)
- Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No.
105)
Equality
- Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention,
1958 (No. 111)
- Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100)
The Elimination of Child Labour
- Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)
- Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No.
182)
The Right to a Safe and Healthy
Workplace
- Occupational Health and Safety Convention, 1981 (No.
155)
Multinational Corporations Social
Charters
The Global Union Federations want to move away from corporate
codes of conduct and social charters. International Framework
Agreements differ from codes of conducts & charters as they are
internationally recognised and require that the multi-national give
unequivocal commitment to adopt these standards across its
operations. This includes its global suppliers and customer chain,
the ultimate sanction for non-compliance by the supplier and
customer chain should be for the mutli-national to severe business
with them.
Building wider support for the IFA
IFA’s are just not the employer’s word but a signed agreement
between the people who run the company across the world and its
workers. Whilst the agreements are voluntary and not binding by any
international court, failure to respect the agreement puts the
company’s relationship with its workers at stake and brings
negative media attention. It is paramount that unions build the
links with each other before campaigning for an IFA as solidarity
actions are only as successful if all affiliates participate using
their Global Union Federation. Remember Amicus International
Officers have the links to your Global Union Federation, contact
your International Officer to find out how. Campaign activities
include petitions, community protests, and consumer boycotts etc.
Building links with the media and community organisations may also
assist when placing pressure on multi-nationals to do the right
thing.
Monitoring the Agreements
Affiliates Unions through their Global Union Federation need
to monitor the application of the IFA in their workplaces
continuously, non-compliance must be reported immediately to uphold
the integrity and relevance of the IFA, good union organisation is
crucial in order for this to happen. Multi-national corporations
should meet annually with the Global Union Federation to discuss
the application of the IFA, paying close attention to the MNC
subsidiaries, associated companies and the supplier/customer
chain.
Summary
Workers around the world are facing increasing attacks on
their legal protections and terms and conditions due to the power
of multi national corporations. International Framework
Agreements are one response to this crisis by the Global union
movement. However, the first stage in any campaign towards an IFA
is about building solidarity. Solidarity between workers in a
MNC irrespective of their location. This is where Amicus
activists can play a crucial role. Find out about your
company; make links with union activists in other workplaces around
the world and share information and experience. Building
global solidarity between workers is crucial if we are to stop the
exploitation of working people around the world.
