16 September, 2016On 13-15 September, more than 30 workers’ representatives of HeidelbergCement and former Italcementi gathered in Hockenheim, Germany.
Participants came from all over Europe and discussed work-related issues in the group, including the integration of former Italcementi, acquired by HeidelbergCement in July 2016, and a possible Global Framework Agreement.
IndustriALL representative, Matthias Hartwich, director for materials industries and mechanical engineering, had the chance to address the delegates and also the global HR director of HeidelbergCement group. Hartwich stated:
A company that has nothing to hide and is serious about their corporate social responsibility efforts, can easily and with clear conscience sign a Global Framework Agreement with the global unions IndustriALL and BWI. Such an agreement benefits not only the workers and contractors, but also the company itself. But a real commitment from management side and employees’ involvement is crucial for a valuable agreement. IndustriALL and BWI are ready to enter into this dialogue.“
As result of vivid discussions and exchanges the European Works Council delegates jointly supported the demand to negotiate such an agreement at the global level. In sign of approval of this approach as a form of social dialogue at the global level they all put on IndustriALL t-shirts.
EWC vice chair, Norbert Steinert, from IndustriALL German affiliate IG BCE stated in the presence of group’s global head of HR:
Dear Matthias, please be assured that this group of employees’ representatives here in the room is more than convinced that a possible future Global Framework Agreement between IndustriALL, BWI and HeidelbergCement is of added value, both for the company and for the workforce. The HeidelbergCement European Works Council fully supports IndustriALL’s and BWI’s demand for Global Dialogue and a Global Framework Agreement.“