Sodexo and IUF Sign International Framework Agreement

Sodexo, the world’s 21st largest employer with 391,000 employees worldwide, and the International Union of Food Workers (IUF) have announced the signing of an agreement confirming Sodexo’s commitments to respect fundamental rights at work, namely freedom of association and collective bargaining.

The international framework agreement signed on Monday December 12, 2011 by Sodexo CEO Michel Landel (shown on left) and IUF General Secretary Ron Oswald is the first of its kind in the industry. The agreement provides for a continual and progressive dialogue between Sodexo management, Sodexo employee representatives and the IUF.

“The IUF is a leading voice for workers’ rights around the globe. We are pleased to have reached this agreement with the IUF, because we believe that a constructive social dialogue is one of the primary means toward progress for our employees and also because it represents a first in our industry,” said Sodexo CEO Michel Landel.

IUF General Secretary Oswald commented, "This agreement provides a concrete tool to help ensure that Sodexo workers across the world have access to their fundamental rights. Sodexo’s commitment to respect these rights is evident at the highest level of corporate management. With this agreement and the mutual engagement it guarantees we will be able to assure that Sodexo’s commitment to a culture of respect for human rights will be reinforced wherever the company operates."

For a copy of the agreement text click here [1]