29 November, 2024Trade union leaders from Coats factories worldwide convened for the 5th annual meeting of the Coats trade union network in Mudanya, Turkey, on 24–25 November. The meeting focused on working conditions, challenges in the supply chain and finalizing a draft global framework agreement (GFA) with Coats to ensure consistent labour standards across all its operations.
The Coats trade union network was formed in 2019 with the aim of enhanced cooperation among unions and the establishment of a GFA to standardize working conditions across Coats’ operations in over 50 countries.
The primary focus of this year’s meeting was the experience of factory-level unions. Participants discussed workplace conditions, the status of collective bargaining agreements and challenges in union activities. Concerns were raised about inconsistent employment standards across countries where Coats operates.
Farnaz Ranjbar, Coats’ global human rights director, joined the meeting virtually to present the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and address issues raised by union leaders. She pledged to address these concerns with priority.
Union representatives reviewed and provided feedback on the draft GFA, drawing on their factory-level experiences. The network resolved to finalize the document within two weeks and submit it to Coats to initiate global negotiations.
The meeting concluded with a visit to the Coats Türkiye workplace, where DİSK-TEKSTİL has an active collective agreement. Selva Kaboğlu, the HR manager, delivered a presentation on Coats Türkiye’s operations, employer-employee relations, and social activities.
Haluk Deniz Medet, international relations specialist at DİSK-TEKSTİL, praised the meeting’s organization and impact:
“The Coats global network meeting was highly productive, offering valuable insights into the global framework process and conditions in other countries. Our representatives had meaningful discussions and formed lasting connections with union representatives worldwide.”
The union network meeting reaffirmed the commitment of unions and Coats leadership to achieving global labour equity and strengthening international solidarity among workers.
Said Habib Hazemi, TGSL co-chair and president of Tunisian union FGTHCC-UGTT:
"The global COATS meeting is a great opportunity to exchange experiences and give an image of the union situation, advantages and obstacles. This is building a strong network of insights, ideas, requests, communication and dialogues. I hope that this will expand to include more countries."
As the network meeting happened during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, and participants took the opportunity to take a stand to call for an end to gender-based violence and harassment.
COATS, a global leader in manufacturing threads and performance materials, employs over 15,000 workers and serves 30,000+ customers worldwide.