Open / Close Advertisement

Tenaris Unions Sign Workers Unity Accord

11/13/2008 - Unions representing Tenaris workers in Canada, Argentina, Italy, Romania and Brazil sign a new unity accord targeting increased bargaining power for its workers.

Unions representing Tenaris workers in Canada, Argentina, Italy, Romania and Brazil have signed a new unity accord that is expected to build the bargaining power of its workers. USW National Director Ken Neumann described the new unity accord as “a bold step that the global manufacturer of seamless and welded steel products should respect in all its dealings with workers.”
 
The 35 union leaders participating in the signing at Calgary, along with representatives from the International Metalworkers Federation, sent a letter of their intent to Tenaris Chairman Paolo Rocca. The letter warned that, should the global financial crisis impact strongly on Tenaris's sales and access to credit, "Tenaris must not export the crisis to its workers in the form of layoffs and attempts to reduce salary levels."
 
The union leaders say they are seeking a dialogue with Rocca to raise issues, including an international framework agreement (IFA), company neutrality in organizing workers at non-unionized Tenaris workplaces, company support joint health and safety structures and more.
 
The unions have identified the following common goals:
 
  • Stronger collective agreements that bring a ‘fair and decent income’ during the members’ working age and at retirement that will allow them and their families to enjoy an adequate standard of living.
  • Capital expenditures by Tenaris to support new and upgraded facilities, the highest environmental standards, and better working and living conditions.
  • Safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable workplaces.
  • Full recognition of the right of unions to represent workers' interests and commitment to expand the organizing non-union employees and contractors.
  • Full right to information and consultation about company decisions that impact workers (investments, acquisitions, members or work reorganization.
  • Elimination of outsourcing and contracting out.
“It is our hope that Tenaris will view this global unity as an opportunity to work with its unions to build a better company able to withstand the pressures of financial volatility,” said Neumann. “At the same time, it is our primary goal to protect Tenaris workers, wherever they are and whatever they do for the company.”