International Framework Agreements: How far are we?
Globalisation means that there are no borders for big business. Transnational companies (TNCs) like SKF, BHP Billiton, Daimler Chrysler and many others are opening new operations in different parts of the world.
To safeguard workers’ rights in these new companies, the IMF long ago resolved that unions must negotiate a union framework agreement called an International Framework Agreement (IFA) with these TNCs. IFAs must also cover suppliers of transnationals as well as companies contracted to them.
The IMF Central Committee reflected on this resolution. Reports revealed that six IFAs have been signed thus far. These are at Daimler-Chrysler, Leoni, Merloni, Volkswagen, SKF and GEA.
Monitoring and implementation is the biggest challenge for these agreements. In some countries, workers on the floor don’t even know these agreements exist. “˜Comrade Dube, former Numsa president, who works for SKF in Uitenhage, did not know that his company had signed this