The renewable materials company Stora Enso signed today a global framework agreement (GFA) with the three global unions at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva. Observer signatures were made by the presidents of the Swedish Paper Workers’ Union, the Swedish Union of Forestry, Wood and Graphical Workers’, and the Finnish Paper Workers’ Union.
Stora Enso strives to provide a safe and rewarding workplace for employees and contractors, and to be an attractive employer to potential recruits. Respect for human rights is a top priority for the group. Through the GFA signed today, Stora Enso will work with the three global unions in order to uphold fundamental labour rights throughout its global operation and subsidiaries. Stora Enso will strive to implement the principles of the GFA throughout its supply chain, by continued adherence to the company’s Supplier Code of Conduct.
“We strive for a working environment where all our employees are treated with respect and in a fair manner. We are continuously working to make sure that all our units comply with the requirements. By signing the Global Framework agreement, we show our commitment and take the next step in this important area,” says Stora Enso’s CEO Karl-Henrik Sundström.
IndustriALL Global Union General Secretary, Valter Sanches, stated at the signing: “I congratulate Stora Enso and welcome our new formal relationship that gives us the means to uphold workers’ rights throughout the company’s global operation. I call upon other pulp and paper manufacturers to follow this example.”
Stora Enso reiterates its commitment to ILO core standards, and the UN Global Compact and OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises. In addition, the GFA signed today includes e.g. principles on occupational health and safety, the prohibition of child and forced labour and all forms of discrimination, which have been an integral part of Stora Enso’s policies.
Global Framework Agreements
Global Framework Agreements (GFAs) protect the interests of workers employed in all operations of the multinational companies who sign them. GFAs are negotiated at the global level between trade unions and companies. They establish the best possible standards on trade union rights, on health and safety, and on the labour relations principles adhered to by the company in its global operations, regardless of the standards existing in a particular country.
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