International Framework Agreements Opening the Way to Collective

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International Framework Agreements: Opening the Way to Collective Bargaining? Dr. Michael Fichter, Freie Universitaet

International Framework Agreements: Opening the Way to Collective Bargaining? Dr. Michael Fichter, Freie Universitaet Berlin Session International Framework Agreements - Challenges and Opportunities ACTRAV Symposium on Collective Bargaining International Labour Organization Geneva, 12 – 15 October 2009 Acknowledgements: Supporting Grant Hans-Boeckler-Foundation, Germany Research Cooperation Global Labour University Fichter, Helfen & Sydow: IFAs in Global Production Networks 1

Main Argument: IFAs: currently not a new level of collective bargaining on wages and

Main Argument: IFAs: currently not a new level of collective bargaining on wages and working conditions. IFAs: create arena of standards, regulations and social dialogue opening space for collective bargaining within national systems of labour relations Fichter, Helfen & Sydow: IFAs in Global Production Networks 3

Definition: International Framework Agreements (IFAs) are… 100 … based on contract relationships between transnational

Definition: International Framework Agreements (IFAs) are… 100 … based on contract relationships between transnational corporations (TNCs) und global union federations (GUFs) which • afford a mutual recognition of both sides, • provide for mechanisms of conflict resolution and • agree recognition of 80 60 40 20 • ILO core labour standards (union rights and collective bargaining, no forced or child labour, no discrimination), 0 1992 • additional ILO conventions (employee As such, IFAs are an instrument of regulating international labour relations positioned between unilateral self-restrictions of TNCs and international law (ILO). Fichter, Helfen & Sydow: IFAs in Global Production Networks 2002 2007 2012 Total number of IFAs (1994 to 2008, n=72) representative, working time, wages, health & safety) in a defined space or arena. 1997 ! But: there is only a relatively small number of IFAs (72+), compared to 870 EWCs for example (ETUI 2008) 4

IFAs by region of TNC's origin http: //www. global-unions. org/spip. php? rubrique 70 (n

IFAs by region of TNC's origin http: //www. global-unions. org/spip. php? rubrique 70 (n = 77) Fichter, Helfen & Sydow: IFAs in Global Production Networks 5

IFAs by Global Union Federation http: //www. global-unions. org/spip. php? rubrique 70 (n =

IFAs by Global Union Federation http: //www. global-unions. org/spip. php? rubrique 70 (n = 77) Fichter, Helfen & Sydow: IFAs in Global Production Networks 6

The IFA Arena IFAs: Creation of an Arena of Standards, Regulation and Social Dialogue

The IFA Arena IFAs: Creation of an Arena of Standards, Regulation and Social Dialogue • • Actors: HQ. and local TNC management, GUF (+ home country union, employee reps) Issues and Content Procedures for negotiation, monitoring and dispute resolution Reach or Boundary of Regulation. TNC operations, suppliers, contractors Fichter, Helfen & Sydow: IFAs in Global Production Networks 7

IFAs: Recognition of ILO Conventions Fichter, Helfen & Sydow: IFAs in Global Production Networks

IFAs: Recognition of ILO Conventions Fichter, Helfen & Sydow: IFAs in Global Production Networks 11

IFAs: Recognition of C 98 - and beyond IFAs with specific provisions: Rhodia (ICEM)

IFAs: Recognition of C 98 - and beyond IFAs with specific provisions: Rhodia (ICEM) Specific reference to C 98. And: "respects the right of employees to be collectively organized and shall remain strictly neutral concerning their choices in this matter" ISS (UNI) Specific reference to C 98. And: "Where no trade union exists, ISS shall adopt a positive and open view and shall not prevent workers from organising. It will respect the right of trade unions to organise employees" G 4 S (UNI) Specific reference to C 98. And: 6. Union Rights a) Freedom of association (3 paragraphs) b) Union access (6 paragraphs) c) Union recognition (3 paragraphs) Fichter, Helfen & Sydow: IFAs in Global Production Networks 14

G 4 S: Reaching and Using Agreement 2003: UNI launches global campaign. 2004 2008:

G 4 S: Reaching and Using Agreement 2003: UNI launches global campaign. 2004 2008: US union SEIU attacks G 4 S (Wackenhut) on working conditions, pay, sexual harassment, poor training, security lapses and retaliations against employees who reported problems. Wackenhut loses contract bids, faces public investigations 2008: (Dec. ) G 4 S signs IFA 2009: Ghana G 4 S Workers' first Agreement: UNI Global Agreement a key factor Fichter, Helfen & Sydow: IFAs in Global Production Networks 15

Dannon (Danone USA) Case 1988: Danone signs first IFA 2007: (Jan) Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco

Dannon (Danone USA) Case 1988: Danone signs first IFA 2007: (Jan) Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) asked to represent Dannon employees at Ohio plant 2007: BCTGM contacts IUF launches global information campaign. US management starts anti-union campaign. IUF pressure on Danone management in Paris. Letter from EWC. 2007: US management refuses to accept card-check, BCTGM applies for NLRB recognition election. 2007: (Dec. ) BCTGM wins NLRB election. International support crucial 2008: (Oct. ) BCTGM members ratify collective agreement 2009: BCTGM organizes another Dannon plant (Utah) and signs contract Fichter, Helfen & Sydow: IFAs in Global Production Networks 17

Insights from Cases Insights: IFAs and Collective Bargaining • Internationalization of strategy and policy

Insights from Cases Insights: IFAs and Collective Bargaining • Internationalization of strategy and policy • Medium- and Long-Range Strategic Planning • Incorporation of IFAs into daily union operations • Training and Knowledge-building around IFAs • Union Networks • Claiming Ownership Fichter, Helfen & Sydow: IFAs in Global Production Networks 18