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CMPC pulp and paper workers call for global agreement

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9 December, 2016The IndustriALL trade union network at CMPC met on 6-7 December in Concepción, Chile, and met company management to establish regional industrial relations.

CMPC is the fourth largest pulp producer in the world and one of the biggest companies in Latin America. IndustriALL unions participate in the CMPC network from Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina. Over 80 per cent of CMPC produced pulp is exported, to Asia, America and Europe.

The network visited the Santa Fé pulp facility, one of three large CMPC pulp factories in Chile. In a meeting there with senior management the union delegation delivered the message that they are organized regionally and will be seeking recognition and dialogue in the coming period.

The network also joined a workers’ assembly of the Santa Fé union and delivered a strong message of international solidarity and unity to over 100 workers.

Participants exchanged information and experience on achieving good working conditions, health and safety, and shift rotation. A seven-point action plan was adopted and the network will continue its coordinated action, including seeking a Global Framework Agreement.

A representative of Chile’s Ministry of Labour, Carlos Soto, joined the union meeting and explained the tripartite process in Chile covering the forestry and pulp sectors.

IndustriALL research and industry officer Tom Grinter said:
“Together with Arauco, CMPC is a priority company for IndustriALL’s pulp and paper sector in Latin America. We are building union power and seeking recognition of the network by the employer.”