Sodexo signs trade union agreements

25th of July 2011
Sodexo signs trade union agreements

Global building services provide Sodexo has signed a National Framework Agreement with three of the UK's leading trades unions - Unite, UNISON and GMB.

The agreement defines the nature of the strategic relationship between Sodexo and the three unions, and identifies guiding principles for managers, union representatives and other employees regarding the expectations they may have of each other.

Sodexo has worked with trades unions worldwide for several years - it has approximately 380,000 employees at over 34,000 sites in 80 countries and says it respects employees' right to unionise as they choose.

Aidan Connolly, chief executive officer for Sodexo UK and Ireland said: "This agreement is a significant achievement that clearly demonstrates our commitment for joint working with trade unions. Our culture is based on respect and high moral and ethical standards."

Len McCluskey, Unite's general secretary, said: "This agreement reflects our shared belief that Sodexo and its workforce are stronger working together. Union-organised workplaces bring companies progress, be it improved health and safety or lower staff turnover, so we are delighted that Sodexo want to work with us to harness these benefits."

Dave Prentis, Unison's general secretary, said: "This agreement is a welcome demonstration of the commitment on both sides to positive, partnership working. Increasing numbers of workers providing public services are now employed by private companies. It's only right that they should have the protection of a trade union."

And GMB secretary Paul Kenny concluded: "This new agreement between GMB and Sodexo sets the benchmark for relations between the unions and private employers working in this part of the public sector. It shows how, with the right mind set, workers can be unionised to their own and their employer's mutual benefit."

www.sodexo.com

 

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