Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 11th April 2024 Issue no. 1109
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GMB union signs National Framework Agreement with Sodexo
Global Facilities services provider Sodexo, has announced that it has become the first in the industry to sign a National Framework Agreement with three of the UK's leading trade unions - GMB, Unite and UNISON.
Sodexo's 43,000 staff between them cover some 2,300 locations in the UK, providing services for clients in the education, healthcare, justice, defence, leisure and corporate services sectors.
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.
The National Framework Agreement is also a public declaration from each organisation, outlining their commitment towards continued joint working and to raise awareness of the genuine, effective and positive relationship between unionised staff and Sodexo.
The facilities management and foodservices provider has been working closely with numerous trade unions for several years, not just in the UK, but also across the globe, as the company has approximately 380,000 employees at over 34,000 sites in 80 countries. It says that its employees are without doubt its greatest asset, and it supports and invests heavily in its people.
"This agreement is a significant achievement that clearly demonstrates our commitment for joint working with trade unions," says Aidan Connolly, chief executive officer for Sodexo UK and Ireland. "Our culture is based on respect and high moral and ethical standards.
"We respect unequivocally the right of every employee to unionise. As one of the world's largest employers - 21st largest employer worldwide and 7th largest employer in Europe, Sodexo places great importance on its relationships with its employees and on being a fair employer."
Len McCluskey, Unite's general secretary, says that the move will benefit both employee and employer: "This agreement reflects our shared belief that Sodexo and its workforce are stronger working together" he says. "Union-organised workplaces bring companies progress, be it improved health and safety or lower staff turnover, so we are delighted that Sodexo wants to work with us to harness these benefits.
"Most importantly of all, this agreement also says to Sodexo's workforce that they are valued and respected. We look forward now to bringing the benefits to the Sodexo workforce across these isles."
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14th July 2011