Date: 29 September 2009
It describes in particular the process for informing and consulting employee representatives in Europe on transnational questions that significantly affect workers' interests. It defines and extends the responsibilities of the Select Committee tasked with conducting the information and consultation process under the European Social Dialogue Agreement.
In the current crisis environment, it is essential to adopt a pro-active approach to social dialogue on employment issues. During the first half of 2009, Group management met with the representatives of the European trade unions on several occasions in order to respond effectively to the need to anticipate and support change at European level.
Saint-Gobain's European social dialogue processes play a fundamental role in facilitating exchanges between the Group companies' management teams and employee representatives on transnational questions that affect workers' interests. They do not, however, replace local social dialogue processes. In an organization subject to different labor laws in the various host countries, the Group's European companies each have their own employee representatives whose responsibilities are defined by local legislation.
Saint-Gobain has always been strongly committed to maintaining an active and honest social dialogue in line with its Principles of Conduct and Action, by creating an atmosphere of trust and respecting employee representatives' prerogatives. A prime example of this commitment was the negotiation of the Saint-Gobain European Social Dialogue Agreement in 1992, two years ahead of the publication of the first EU directive (no. 94-45) on European Works Councils.
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