25 May, 2012The Global Framework Agreement (GFA) with Petróleo Brasileiro SA, or Petrobras, the world’s third largest energy company, embodies many of the social principles that we expect companies in extractive industries to adhere to.
The agreement was made possible through the support of Brazilian trade union affiliate, the Oil and Gas Workers’ Unified Federation (FUP).
The agreement commits Petrobras to recognizing the right of freedom of association and to bargain collectively for all employees, as well as establishing formal dialogue channels between staff and management. It also promotes working conditions that are favorable to a balance between work, personal, and family life.
The GFA states that Petrobras “will strive to get all service providers to comply” with nine labour relations points contained in the agreement, including health and safety and providing necessary equipment, permanent institutionalization of negotiation channels, and equal opportunities and promotion of training opportunities.
Petrobras, 56% owned by the Brazilian government, has 80,500 employees and operates in some 30 countries. The company is a leader in exploration and production of oil, and operates 16 refineries as well as numerous petrochemicals, biofuels, pipelines and other installations.