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3 May, 2018On 4 May 2018, IndustriALL signed a global framework agreement (GFA) with hygiene and health company Essity, together with Swedish affiliate Unionen’s President Martin Linder, and the Essity European Works Council Chair Frank Gottselig from Germany (IG BCE).
The agreement safeguards the rights of 48,000 workers across Essity’s global supply chain.
The Essity GFA was born from the corporate split in 2017 of SCA, with whom IndustriALL had a GFA since 2004. Now IndustriALL has a GFA with both SCA and Essity. At the time of the split, three IndustriALL affiliates in the home country Sweden had significant membership at Essity. Traditionally Pappers of Sweden took the lead on the SCA GFA. After the split, the largest membership at Essity was with IndustriALL affiliate Unionen, who now takes the lead. IF Metall also has significant membership at Essity.
The Essity GFA text matches the latest version of the SCA GFA which was improved at its renewal signing in 2013. The content then was adapted to meet requirements in line with the 2012 IndustriALL Guidelines for Global Framework Agreements.
The agreement commits Essity to respecting their employees’ rights to join the union of their choice, and to good faith collective bargaining. It covers the issues of working-time and compensation for overtime, as well as a principle of equality towards all employees; permanent, part-time or contract staff.
Also in the agreement are Essity commitments to training, health and safety, non-discrimination, and fair wages, among other important items.
The agreement sets up a review body that will meet every two years including IndustriALL, Essity, Unionen and the EWC.
IndustriALL affiliates with membership at Essity around the world are: IG BCE, Germany; Unionen, IF Metall, Pappers, Sweden; Unite, UK; USW, USA; NSZZ Solidarnosc, Poland; TRIWU, Russia; Pro-Ge, Austria; CFMEU, Australia; Paperiliitto, Finland.