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IndustriALL and Anglo American set framework for global dialogue

10 May, 2021In a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed today with the support of the global union network, IndustriALL and Anglo American commit to sound industrial relations across Anglo American’s global operations.

Anglo American recognizes IndustriALL as global counterpart and pledges its commitments for ILO fundamental rights at work and puts in place mechanisms to ensure a permanent monitoring of workers’ effective access to these fundamental rights.

The global dialogue mechanism will take place at least twice a year.

Among other things, the global dialogue mechanism provides for:

  • identifying collaboration opportunities on health and safety issues at the workplace, including gender-based violence
  • an opportunity for discussing Anglo American’s code of conduct and an environment to work on policy matters of shared interest, like how to manage the introduction to new technologies 
  • continuous dialogue and joint action on Covid-19 responses to mitigate the impact on workers and communities
  • a dialogue on how to achieve a Just Transition for coal industry workers
  • a joint commitment to the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)

Says Anglo American CEO, Mark Cutifiani:

“The last year has again reminded us of the value of collaboration across the mining industry. As economies reopen and we transition towards a lower carbon future, dialogue with our employees and their representatives has never been more important. I therefore very much welcome the chance to continue the dialogue we have with IndustriALL and look forward to further productive cooperation.”

Today’s signature is the culmination of a process that began at the height of the commodities crises when workers across the mining industry were losing their jobs. and protests and strikes characterized industrial relations. Covid-19 brought another testing period for the mining industry but also proved an opportunity for further dialogue and collaboration between the two parties.

Says IndustriALL general secretary, Valter Sanches:

“This memorandum of understanding is ground-breaking for the mining industry and provides open channels between us and Anglo American in order to improve conflict resolution processes. The commitment goes beyond effective access to fundamental rights at work and extends to health and safety, managing the introduction of new technologies and a Just transition for coal miners and the communities around Anglo American’s operations.”

Anglo American is the world's largest producer of platinum, with around 40 per cent of world output, as well as a major producer of diamonds, copper, nickel, iron ore, and metallurgical and thermal coal with 90,000 employees.