ICEM, IMF Join Umicore on a Joint Mission to Shanghai, China, Plant

In September 2007, ICEM and the International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF) jointly signed a Global Framework Agreement with Belgian-based Umicore, a chemicals, metals technology, and catalysts systems company. In line with a relevant article of the agreement calling for the parties to have an annual mission to a Umicore worksite to monitor compliance, a visit to a plant in Shanghai, China, producing cobalt and zinc powders for battery application was made from 16-20 March.

The ICEM was represented by Chemicals and Rubber Industries Officer Kemal Özkan, while IMF General Secretary Marcello Malentacchi, IMF Director of Education, Health and Safety Magnus Palmgren, and Jef Peeters, chairman of Umicore’s European Works Council also were along. The company was represented by Ursula Saint Léger, Senior Vice-President of Human Resources.

Umicore’s corporate officials presented the topics covered in the global agreement related to social objectives, human rights, working conditions, and environmental issues. Both Global Union Federations explained their activities regarding multinational companies, and Peeters provided information on the structure of the company’s European section. The union side commented on the reports given and put forward expectations for the future.

The delegation then visited the company's subsidiary in Shanghai, called Shanghai Blue Lotus. Employing 88 workers – 71 men and 17 women – the plant does have trade union representation. ICEM and IMF had the opportunity to meet Lu Yaozhong, chairman of the branch union at Shanghai Blue Lotus, and discussed working conditions and trade union rights.

Commented Özkan on the visit, "This first joint activity has created hopeful expectations for the future. In view of the importance of international industrial relations, the global agreement between ICEM/IMF and Umicore will continue to serve to improve working conditions of the company worldwide."