Global trade unions represented by IndustriALL Global Union and Building and Wood Worker's International (BWI) met with representatives of LafargeHolcim on 23 January 2017 to launch the process for developing a Global Framework Agreement.

All parties agreed their mutual intent to begin to draw up a Global Framework Agreement that will prioritise four key pillars: fundamental rights, health and safety, exchange of information and solution of conflicts and contractors management.

"We strongly believe that people are core to the success of the company and our ambition is to create a workplace that is safe, diverse, inclusive, and respectful where people enjoy coming to work. We want to build on our past track record of constructive and responsible social dialogue with the global unions through the development of a Global Framework Agreement," said Head of Organisation and Human Resources at LafargeHolcim, Caroline Luscombe.

"We expect that LafargeHolcim ensures the respect and promotion of international labour regulations in all the geographies where it operates," said Valter Sanchez, General Secretary of IndustriALL Global Union.

"We welcome the results of the meeting and are ready to put our energy in developing a strong agreement for the well-being of workers of the company," said Ambet Yuson, General Secretary of BWI.

Detailed discussions between LafargeHolcim and the BWI and IndustriALL on the agreement are expected to begin in due course with a protocol signing expected in 2017.