Global framework agreement signed at Schwan-Stabilo

A global framework agreement was concluded between the German-based company, Schwan-Stabilo, the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) and the German Metalworkers' Union (IG Metall) in September 2005. It acknowledges the company’s social responsibility and contains commitments to comply with ILO Conventions in a range of employee rights areas.

On 7 September 2005, a global framework agreement was signed by the German-headquartered Schwanhäußer Industrie Holding GmbH (Schwan-Stabilo), the German Metalworkers' Union (IG Metall) and the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW). Based in Heroldsberg, near Nuremberg in Germany, Schwan-Stabilo is a leading international manufacturer of writing, drawing and painting equipment and cosmetic pencils. It has more than 2,900 employees at production sites and subsidiaries in 14 countries worldwide.

The agreement acknowledges the company’s social and ethical responsibility and makes a commitment to respect the fundamental principles and core labour standards of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). It incorporates the ILO’s four main goals in the field of labour rights: the elimination of forced labour; the abolition of child labour; the prohibition of discrimination in the workplace and in employment; and the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.

In the agreement, the company commits itself to upholding ILO Conventions 29, 87, 98, 100, 105, 111, 135, 138, 155 and 182 and ILO Recommendation 143. The agreement will be published at all company locations in the respective languages of the workforce. The main points of the accord are summarised below.

Freedom to choose employment

The agreement prohibits the use of forced labour, in line with ILO Conventions 29 and 105. Employees must not be forced to pay a 'deposit' or surrender their identity papers to their employer.

No discrimination in employment

In accordance with ILO Conventions 100 and 111, employees are guaranteed equal opportunities and equal treatment, regardless of ethnic or social origin, skin colour, sex, religion, political opinion, nationality or any other distinguishing features.

Prohibition of child labour

The use of child labour is prohibited by the agreement. Only workers above the age of 15 years, or older if the compulsory school-leaving age is higher, shall be employed at the group (in line with ILO Convention 138). Children under the age of 18 will not be permitted to carry out work that may harm the health, safety or morals of children (ILO Convention 182).

Freedom of association and right to collective bargaining

The agreement states that all employees have the right to form organisations to represent employee interests and to conduct collective bargaining to regulate conditions of work (ILO Conventions 87 and 98). Further, Schwan-Stabilo commits itself to 'constructive cooperation in an atmosphere of trust' with employee representative organisations. Even when there are disagreements, the signatory partners are committed to seeking long-term cooperation.

The accord also states that worker representatives may not suffer discrimination related to their duties, and must have full access to workplaces to exercise their representative functions (ILO Convention 135 and ILO Recommendation 143).

Payment of decent wages

The agreement commits the company to paying wages and benefits for a standard working week that meet at least the statutory and industry minimum standards. All employees will receive written, comprehensible information about their wages in their own language before they start work. This will include a breakdown of the component parts of their pay.

Working hours

Working time will comply with the appropriate legislation or national sectoral collective agreements.

Safety at work and working conditions

Schwan-Stabilo guarantees the provision of a hygienic and safe working environment and the promotion of the best occupational health practices, taking into consideration prevailing subject knowledge and any specific hazards. Physical abuse, the threat of physical abuse, unusual penalties or punishments, sexual or other forms of harassment and threats by the employer are strictly forbidden.

Establishment of conditions of employment

The company makes a commitment to respect the employer’s obligations to workers according to national labour legislation and regulations on social protection based on permanent employment. As well as adhering to the ILO’s core labour standards, the company guarantees the implementation of employment and working conditions that at least fulfil the requirements of collective agreements and/or national legislation.

Inclusion of supplier companies

Schwan-Stabilo expects all its suppliers to apply similar principles. It views this as a basis for any enduring business partnership.

Monitoring

A monitoring committee will oversee the implementation of the agreement - this committee will comprise one representative respectively from Schwan-Stabilo management, its German works council, IG Metall and IFBWW. The company will bear the costs of the monitoring. The committee will meet once a year and will conduct monitoring at least every two years at production and sales subsidiary locations with the involvement of local trade union officials. The participants will have access to all information necessary for performing their function.

If production and sales subsidiaries do not comply with the principles set out in the agreement, the monitoring committee will examine the matter and propose appropriate measures.

Commentary

This agreement is the latest in a line of international framework agreements that have already been concluded with IFBWW as signatory, including at Ikea (furniture), Faber-Castell (pencils), Hochtief (construction) (DE0004249N) and Skanska (construction) (EU0105213F). These agreements are intended to create a framework within which all workers are guaranteed established international minimum labour standards, including the right to organise and bargain collectively.

Representatives of the trade union organisations involved have welcomed the contribution made by such agreements to the improvement of workers’ rights and conditions of employment. Of the Schwan-Stabilo agreement, Jürgen Peters, the head of IG Metall, said that 'in a time of globalisation, companies’ acknowledgement of social responsibility is more important than ever' and welcomed the company’s contribution to the creation of a 'more humanitarian workplace'. Anita Normark, representing IFBWW at the signing ceremony, stated that this organisation would play an important role in ensuring that the agreement is implemented through its worldwide network of affiliated unions. (Beatrice Harper, IRS)