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A positive move forward for GM workers

15 May, 2013In April General Motors (GM) worker representatives and trade unionists met in Detroit, to strengthen the current global trade union network and commit GM management to enter into meaningful dialogue with trade unions.

GM management agreed to organize a future meeting of the Global Information Sharing Forum in 2014 and negotiations on a Global Framework Agreement (GFA) on social standards will move forward.

With the implementation of an annual Global Information Sharing Forum, GM management has provided an important signal that the employees at GM are the company’s most crucial assets.

Commenting on the meeting’s outcome, IndustriALL Director for the Auto and Rubber Industries Helmut Lense said, “Regular and constructive exchange between global management and worker representatives from all around the world enables creative conflict resolution on a local level and facilitates the exchange of best practices in labour relations.”

The GFA will guarantee GM workers’ freedom of association and collective bargaining rights throughout the world. Social dialogue between management, trade unions, and worker representatives will be characterized by mutual respect and understanding. Discrimination will not be tolerated. Fair wages, good working conditions, occupational health and safety, and appropriate training and education will be guaranteed worldwide.

GM workers and trade union representatives from all around the world welcome this approach and are looking forward to a fruitful collaboration with GM management.