IndustriALL Global Union and Umicore’s agreement on Sustainable Development was renewed by both recently. The agreement is for a period of four years and covers human rights (including collective bargaining and equal opportunities), safe and healthy working conditions, and environmental considerations.

IndustriALL, founded in 2012, brings together affiliates of the former global union federations—International Metalworkers‘ Federation (IMF), International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers‘ Unions (ICEM) and International Textiles Garment and Leather Workers‘ Federation (ITGLWF). 50 million workers in 140 countries in the mining, energy and manufacturing sectors are represented by IndustriALL Global Union.

To ensure successful implementation of the agreement, all parties have undertaken to pursue the process of constructive dialogue they initiated in 2007. Marc Grynberg, Chief Executive Officer, Umicore says the agreement reaffirmed their commitment towards sustainability in which engagement of all Umicore employees is key. Their dialogue with IndustriALL plays an important role in their quest to be a frontrunner in all aspects of sustainability, he added.

Secretary General of IndustriALL Global Union Jyrki Raina stated that IndustriALL Global Union was pleased with their eight-year experience in the context of this global agreement and that they looked forward to it continuing in the coming years. Raina said that all sites of Umicore they visit, they find the same level of commitment to sustainability that they obtained from the company headquarters in Brussels.