OREANDA-NEWS. October 05, 2015. The Carrefour group – represented by its CEO Georges Plassat – and trade union Federation UNI Global Union – represented by its General Secretary Philip Jennings – have signed an international agreement to promote Social dialogue and Diversity and to ensure the protection of Fundamental Principles and Rights in the workplace. The agreement was signed in the presence of Guy Ryder, Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). This agreement was signed during a meeting of the "European Consultation and Information Committee", which Carrefour holds twice a year with all of its European social partners.

This global agreement replaces the previous one that the group entered into with UNI Global Union back in 2001. It sets out to encourage:
-    pursuit of an ongoing, constructive social dialogue;
-    diversity and equal opportunities in the workplace through joint initiatives, particularly in relation to gender mix and non-discrimination;
-    the defence and respect of workers' fundamental rights – freedom of association and principles of collective-bargaining – as well as their safety and their working conditions at Carrefour and at its suppliers’ and franchisees’ premises.

Sustained social dialogue in each country and at international level
The quality of social dialogue at Carrefour goes beyond simple compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Every year, Carrefour enters into nearly 200 agreements with its social partners in France and overseas on issues such as employment, disability, gender mix, ongoing professional training, social dialogue and how employee representatives operate. Further evidence of this ongoing international dialogue is seen at meetings of the "European Consultation and Information Committee" (ECIC) that Carrefour set up back in the mid-90s. Twice a year, it brings together all of Carrefour's European social partners from Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Poland and Romania. Discussions are held with Carrefour's management team, the human resources and social relations departments of each country on issues currently facing the company and projects that are currently under way on issues to do with diversity in particular.