13 March, 2009Workers around the world are pushing Tenaris to negotiate an International Framework Agreement.
ITALY: IMF Assistant General Secretary Fernando Lopes met with Tenaris workers in Dalmine as part of a global effort to force the company to negotiate an International Framework Agreement.
International Framework Agreements set out rules of conduct for transnational companies on a global level.
Tenaris metalworkers in Romania, Canada, Italy and Argentina took part in a global action day on March 3 to demand the company address the financial crisis by negotiating an International Framework Agreement.
The Luxembourg based company is refusing to recognize the Tenaris Workers' World Council.
The global day of action follows an October 2008 meeting, where 35 union leaders and IMF representatives adopted the Tenaris Workers Unity Accord.
The meeting in Calgary Canada agreed on a common action plan focused on preventing Tenaris from forcing workers to pay for the impacts of the global financial crisis.
Cut backs are already hitting workers at Tenaris plants across the world, including Tenaris Algoma Tubes in Canada and Tenaris Siderca in Argentina.
Delegates from the meeting wrote to Tenaris Chairman Paolo Rocca requesting the company initiate a dialogue with unions on their demands.
As well as recognition of the World Workers Council and an IFA, unions are calling for the company to maintain a neutral position in relation to union organizing activities and to support better health, safety and environmental standards.