Sodexo signs worldwide union agreement on staff rights

It confirms the worldwide contract group's commitment to respect fundamental rights at work, namely freedom of association and collective bargaining. The international framework agreement signed on December 12 by Sodexo chief executive Michel Landel and IUF General Secretary Ron Oswald is the first of its kind in the industry. It provides for a continual and progressive dialogue between Sodexo management, Sodexo employee representatives and the IUF. "The IUF is a leading voice for workers' rights around the globe. We are pleased to have reached this agreement with the IUF, because we believe that a constructive social dialogue is one of the primary means toward progress for our employees and also because it represents a first in our industry," said Landel. IUF General Secretary Oswald said: "This agreement provides a concrete tool to help ensure that Sodexo workers across the world have access to their fundamental rights. S dexo's commitment to respect these rights is evident at the highest level of corporate management. "With this agreement and the mutual engagement it guarantees we will be able to assure that Sodexo's commitment to a culture of respect for human rights will be reinforced wherever the company operates." In June Sodexo's UK and Ireland chief executive Aidan Connolly signed the industry's first National Framework Agreement with three of the UK's leading trade unions – Unite, UNISON and GMB. This agreement defined the nature of the strategic relationship between Sodexo and the three unions, and identified guiding principles for managers, union representatives and other employees regarding the expectations they may have of each other. The agreement re[resents a public declaration from each organisation, outlining their commitment towards continued joint working and to raise awareness of the genuine, effective and positive relationship between unionised staff and Sodexo in the UK and Ireland.