Total inks new labor agreement with global union

Reaffirming its commitment as a responsible employer, Total signed a global agreement with the international union federation IndustriALL Global Union, representing more than 50 million workers in 140 countries in the energy, mining and manufacturing sectors. 

Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of Total, and Jyrki Raina, General Secretary of IndustriALL Global Union, in the presence of Guy Ryder, Director-­General of the International Labour Organization, signed the labor agreement in Davos Switzerland. 

The new agreement covers:

“I am pleased to sign this first agreement with IndustriALL Global Union, which is designed to extend the Group's tradition of corporate social responsibility to all of our operations around the world through quality social dialogue and insurance coverage for employees,” declared Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of Total.

In practical terms, Total is developing an insurance program that guarantees a minimum of two years of coverage in the event of an employee's death, no matter what the country of residence. Another example is that maternity leave will not have a negative impact on an employee’s compensation or future career path.

A committee made up of members from Total and IndustriALL will meet annually to ensure that the agreement has been implemented and to identify and promote best practices.

“We applaud Total for its commitment to better rights and conditions for workers. IndustriALL’s agreement with Total makes it clear that trade union rights and freedoms must be upheld across the company’s operations and throughout its global supply chain. Total promises to act in strict neutrality in its relations with unions and is prepared to terminate contracts with suppliers if they breach the agreement. It sends a strong message to Total’s suppliers and provides new levels of protection for workers”, said Jyrki Raina, general secretary of IndustriALL Global Union.

“I am pleased to witness the signature of this agreement between Total and IndustriALL Global Union, an organization that represents millions of workers around the world and that contributes extensively to the fight for better working conditions and for the respect of labor union rights. Companies such as Total have a major role to play in promoting decent working conditions in their host countries and in ensuring that their employees benefit from tangible measures to improve their worklife,” noted Guy Ryder, Director­-General of the International Labour Organization.

The agreement marks a new step in the development of social dialogue at Total, notably in terms of transnational negotiating processes, which began in Europe 10 years ago.