Framework agreement at DaimlerChrysler

GERMANY/USA: A "Social Responsibility Principles of DaimlerChrysler" has been signed by top management of DaimlerChrysler and by representatives of the DaimlerChrysler World Employee Committee, on behalf of the International Metalworkers' Federation. It is the second framework agreement to be agreed in the world's automotive industry. Signing the agreement for the company were Jürgen E. Schrempp, chairman of the board, and Günther Fleig, human resources and labour relations director. For the DaimlerChrysler World Employee Committee and the International Metalworkers' Federation were Erich Klemm, who is chairman of the DaimlerChrysler Enterprise Works Council, European Works Council and World Employee Committee, and Nate Gooden, vice-president of the United Auto Workers of America and director of the UAW's DaimlerChrysler Department. In the agreement, DaimlerChrysler acknowledges its social responsibility, which it believes will be an important factor for the company's long-term success, and supports the principles on human and workers' rights and the environment which form the basis for the United Nations' Global Compact initiative. The company says it will work towards preventing an irreversible process of globalisation by showing "the human face of globalisation, among other things by creating and preserving jobs." It also expects its suppliers to apply comparable principles as the basis for mutual relations. Speaking for the World Employee Committee, Erich Klemm stated it was the first time a global standard for basic employee rights and working conditions had been set at DaimlerChrysler and that "staff throughout the world are assured they can organise in trade unions and thus independently assert their rights." The DaimlerChrysler "Principles" are based on the core labour standards established by the International Labour Organisation. The text of the agreement can be accessed on the associated links, in German and in English. Note: In June 2002, the first framework agreement for the automotive industry (and the second one for the overall metal industry) was signed at Volkswagen. The first framework agreement for the metal industry was signed at Merloni Elettrodomestici, in December 2001.