6 July, 2016The agreement arose from a Protocol on Industrial Relations entered into between ENI management and Italian trade unions FILCEA, FEMCA and IULCEM in June 2001. This protocol established procedures for dialogue on the socio-economic impact of the company's activities across the globe and respect for human and trade union rights as contained in the ILO Core Conventions.
Founded in 1953, ENI is a privatized company in which the Italian government has retained 30 per cent equity. It has operations in oil and gas exploration, production, refining, marketing, engineering and oil field services, electricity generation, and in the petrochemicals industries.
With the agreement, ENI confirms its commitment to respecting and implementing fundamental human and social rights as enshrined in the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Core Labour Conventions adopted by the ILO, including the right of workers to organize and bargain, prohibition of forced labour, prohibition of child labour and non-discrimination. In addition, the agreement provides for "continuing efforts to improve" and to "guarantee the highest standards" of health and safety for workers in all of its global operations.
The Agreement commits the parties to "work towards the cultivation of working practices capable of promoting economic and social progress". This includes skills development programmes for workers, diversity management and promoting sustainable development goals. As regards contractors, the company undertakes to "formulate suitable guarantees against violations" within the framework of the agreement. Any violations of the terms of the agreement shall be reported and any remedial action undertaken by management will be communicated to the union. The agreement will be communicated throughout all operations using both company and union networks.