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A.W. Faber-Castell Unternehmensverwaltung GmbH&Co.
Agreement between A.W. Faber-Castell Unternehmensverwaltung
GmbH & Co and IG Metall (GHK) / International Federation of
Building and Wood Workers, IFBWW
CODE OF CONDUCT REGARDING THE RIGHTS OF WORKERS
- Employment is freely chosen
Forced labour must not be used. (ILO Conventions nos. 29 and 105).
Workers will not be required to lodge "deposits" or their identity
papers with their employers.
- No discrimination in employment
Equal opportunities and equal treatment regardless of race, colour,
gender, creed, political views, nationality, social background
or any other special characteristics shall be provided. (ILO Conventions
nos. 100 and 111).
- Child labour is not used
Child labour must not be used. Only workers aged 15 and over,
or over the age of compulsory education if higher, may be employed
(ILO Convention no. 138).
- Respect for the right to freedom of association
and free collective bargaining
The right of all workers to form and join trade unions shall be
recognised (ILO Conventions nos. 87 and 98). Workers' representatives
must not be discriminated against and must have access to all
the work-places necessary to exercise their duties as trade unions
representatives (ILO Convention no. 135 and Recommendation no.
143). Employers shall adopt positive views of the activities of
trade unions and an open attitude to their organising activities.
- Decent wages are paid
Wages and benefits for a standard working week shall meet at least
legal and industry minimum standards.
Unless wage deductions are permitted by national legislation they
may not be made without expressed permission of the workers concerned.
All workers must be given written,understandable information in
their own language about wages before taking up their work, and
the details of their wages in writing on each occasion that wages
are paid.
- Hours of work are not excessive
Working time should follow the appropriate legislation or national
agreements for each trade.
- Occupational safety and decent working conditions
A safe and hygienic working environment shall be provided and
best occupational health and safety work practices shall be promoted,
bearing in mind the prevailing knowledge of the trade and of any
specific hazards.
Physical abuse, the threat of physical abuse, unusual penalties
or punishments, sexual or other forms of harassment and threats
by the employer shall be strictly forbidden.
- Conditions of employment must be established
Employers' obligations to workers according to national labour
legislation and regulations on social protection based on permanent
employment must be respected.
The IFBWW represents 281 trade unions with over 11 million members
in 124 countries
NEWS RELEASE
Faber-Castell, world's leading pencil maker, signs agreement on
workers' rights with IFBWW
Faber-Castell based in Stein/Nuremberg in Germany, one of the world's
leading manufacturers of writing, drawing and painting products
as well as cosmetics pencils and applicators, signed on 3 March
2000 with the German Metal Workers' union IG Metall and the IFBWW
a framework agreement regarding the rights of workers. The agreement
was initially negotiated by the German Wood Workers Union GHK which
merged with IG Metall beginning 2000 and was already signed on 23
November 1999.
With this agreement Faber-Castell is committing itself to achieve
in its production and sales companies employment and working conditions
which respect those Conventions and Recommendations of the International
Labour Organisation (ILO) which apply to their business. It means,
for example, the prohibition of child labour and observance of the
rights of workers to join trade unions and to take part in free
collective bargaining.
Faber-Castell employs world-wide 5500 employees in 14 production
and 18 sales companies in such countries as Australia, Austria,
Brazil (including 759 co-workers in a re-afforestation project),
Colombia, C osta-Rica, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Peru, and the
USA.
AGREEMENT between
A.W. Faber-Castell Unternehmensverwaltung GmbH & Co, 90546 Stein
and
IG Metall (GHK) / International Federation of Building and Wood
Workers, IFBWW
Faber-Castell based in Stein/Nuremberg in Germany is one of the
world's leading manufacturers of writing, drawing and painting products
as well as cosmetics pencils and applicators. Faber-Castell is present
in more than 100 countries in all continents. There are world-wide
11 production and 19 sales companies.
Faber-Castell's development from a medium sized enterprise to a
world wide company reflects the growing globalisation and trade
in manufactured goods. This company has a rich historical tradition
and is characterised by competence and tradition, high quality,
innovation, environmental sound practices, social and ethical engagement.
Faber-Castell has taken on the social and ethical responsibilities,
which result from the globalisation of the company and its markets.
For this reason Faber-Castell is committing itself to achieve in
its production and sales companies employment and working conditions
which at least fulfil the requirements of collective agreements
and/or national legislation. The production and sales companies
controlled by Faber-Castell must respect those Conventions and Recommendations
of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) which apply to their
business. It means for example the prohibition of child labour and
the rights of workers to join trade unions and to take part in free
collective bargaining.
Faber-Castell commits itself to respect the standards and recommendations
as laid down in Appendix 1. The Code of Practice will be available
at all work-places in appropriate languages. A committee will monitor
the implementation of the agreement in each of the three regions.
The Monitoring Committee will be equally composed of representatives
from Faber-Castell and IG Metall/IFBWW. It will meet at least every
two years and will aim to hold its meetings at production and sales
companies premises. The members of the committee shall receive all
relevant information in order to carry out their mandate.
If production and sales companies do not observe the Code of Conduct
as per Appendix 1, the Monitoring Committee will review the matter
and propose appropriate measures.
Stein, 23 November 1999 / 3 March 2000
A.W. Faber-Castell Unternehmensverwaltung GmbH & Co IG Metall (GHK)
International Federation of Building and Wood Workers, IFBWW
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