IMF signs framework agreement with Bosch

GERMANY/GLOBAL: An international framework agreement, "Basic principles of social responsibility at Bosch", has been signed by management of the German-based automotive and engineering transnational, by the Bosch Group European Works Council, and by the International Metalworkers’ Federation. This is the eighth international framework agreement (IFA) for the IMF.

Stating that a priority at Bosch is to combine "the pursuit of economic objectives with consideration for social and environmental factors", the principles of the agreement are based on the core labour standards of the International Labour Organisation.

Included in the IFA are provisions concerning the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, children’s rights, occupational health and safety, equal opportunities, and the rejection of forced labour.

As well as covering the entire Bosch Group, whose business sectors are divided into

• automotive
• industrial
• consumer goods & building technologies

the agreement stipulates that the company will not work with suppliers that fail to comply with the basic ILO standards.

Note: The first framework agreement for the metal industry was signed at Merloni Elettrodomestici, in December 2001. Since then, the IMF has signed framework agreements with Volkswagen, DaimlerChrysler, Leoni, GEA, SKF, Rheinmetall, and now Bosch. More are to follow.