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27 October, 2021Around 50 trade unionists from TK Elevator’s operations around the world met online on 25-26 October to discuss how to improve social dialogue on the global level.
Improving and strengthening social dialogue in the recently created TK Elevator was the main focus for the more than 50 delegates from Europe, North and Latin America, and from South East Asia, who discussed opportunities to translate the existing and possible future structures into a global social dialogue system.
“With its more than 50,000 employees worldwide, TK Elevator needs a global social dialogue. I am happy to see a general agreement on this and the support and readiness to build this global network among IndustriALL’s affiliates,”
said Susanne Herberger, head of Group Works Council and member of the supervisory board.
“Making international solidarity a common goal and a reality is already our permanent commitment. To make a stand for the rights of all employees worldwide – that is our joint commitment in and with this network,“
said Wolfgang Krause, speaker of the International Committee at TK Elevator.
During the second day of the virtual meeting, company management, represented by Phillip Voet van Vormizeele, member of TKE Group management board and chief human resources officer, participated.
“At TK Elevator, we highly appreciate the engagement of our employees and welcome and enjoy the exchange and discussions with employee representatives and unions. I am really looking forward implementing a global dialogue,”
said Phillip Voet van Vormizeele.
TK Elevator employs more than 50,000 men and women, with major operations in over 50 countries. In late 2020, the company signed a global framework agreement (GFA) with IndustriALL Global Union.
“I think it is a good GFA that the parties signed at TK Elevator. However, with the new and additional body that we are about to create, we hope to send a signal which shows that global social dialogue is more than just talk. We hope to set new standards with this type of dialogue and make the exchange between unions and companies fit for the future. The network has just taken off, but I think you are on good course. IndustriALL will support you on your journey,”
said IndustriALL director for mechanical engineering, Matthias Hartwich.
“It is only when we speak with one voice and join forces that the weight of TK Elevator employees come into its own,”
said Yusuf Tüfekci, chairman of the European Works Council at TK Elevator.
Kemal Özkan, IndustriALL assistant general secretary, said:
“It is IndustriALL’s strategy to establish and maintain global union networks to build union power and the formation of TK Elevator global union network is a perfect example. The global network will be the principal body to develop a framework for global industrial relations with TK Elevator management.
"We want a genuine social dialogue with respect and recognition of fundamental workers’ rights with grievance mechanisms at all levels and remedy and enforceable implementation of the global framework agreement. IndustriALL will continue to support this process.”