Framework agreement at Leoni

GERMANY: A "Declaration on Social Rights and Industrial Relations at Leoni" has been signed by the management of Leoni, the Leoni European Works Council and by the International Metalworkers' Federation, represented by its general secretary, Marcello Malentacchi. This is the fourth international framework agreement signed by the IMF. The agreement at Leoni – a worldwide manufacturer of wires and cables – acknowledges the company’s social responsibility, its support of and compliance with "internationally accepted human rights", and the basic right of all employees to establish and join unions and employee representations. The IFA stipulates that ILO Conventions No. 87 (Freedom of Association) and No. 98 (Right to Collective Bargaining) will be respected, and the former right will be granted "even in those countries in which freedom of association is not protected by law". Also very important, the company "supports and expressly encourages" its contractors to take this declaration into account in their own respective corporate policy. Leoni "views this as an advantageous basis for mutual relationships". Speaking for the European Works Council, Gabriele Bauer stated that "Leoni staff throughout the world are now assured they can organise in trade unions and thus independently assert their rights." Note: The first framework agreement for the metal industry was signed at Merloni Elettrodomestici, in December 2001. Since then, the IMF has signed framework agreements with Volkswagen, DaimlerChrysler and now Leoni. More are to follow.Apr 22, 2003 – Jesper Nilsson