25 May, 2012Norske Skogindstrier ASA, IndustriALL, and Norwegian affiliate Fellesforbundet are partners in a Global Framework Agreement that sets out adherence to basic standards of employment, ranging from freedom of association and right to collective bargaining to an employee's right to a safe and healthy work environment, to employment based on permanent employment with temporary and part-time workers receiving the same relative terms and conditions as full-time workers.
Norske Skog is a leading producer of wood-containing publication paper, particularly newsprint.
Under the agreement, Norske Skog and the unions will work together “locally, nationally and internationally” on the basis of the company’s core values – openness, honesty and cooperation. “This ensures the possibility for the employees to influence decisions through consultations with the management,” the agreement says.
Importantly, compliance with the agreement is subject to annual review at a joint meeting of the signatories. There is also a step-by-step complaints procedure, leading up to the global level where necessary.