News

Bogotá, December 01, 2011. Under the name “Union of Workers of Carrefour Colombia”, a trade union was created to continue developing and applying the principles that extend and ensure decent work to the eleven thousand workers of this company.



Considering the antiunion sentiment that prevailed in Colombia for years, such creation is an unprecedented event that has been derived from an agreement between Carrefour Colombia and UNI Americas. Under this agreement, UNI will be able to promote the free and autonomous organization of workers in this multinational company. This process takes place in the framework of a Global Agreement subscribed by Carrefour and UNI last November 2, pursuant to which Carrefour has agreed that, in order to develop, “any company needs peace and social consensus. To this end, Carrefour has made a commitment to ensure, in conjunction with UNI, the proper enforcement of ILO Conventions 87, 98 and 135.”



Emphasis should be placed on the commitment assumed by Carrefour and UNI to promote the development of labor relations through the implementation of a widespread process of Social Dialogue throughout the company. This process requires a strong, autonomous, modern and democratic organization of workers.



The Union of Workers of Carrefour Colombia has received the support and assistance of UNI Global Union and the Colombian National Trade Union School to fulfill its mission of representing workers and implementing, in conjunction with Carrefour, the tasks required to enhance this company’s competitiveness and social responsibility through Social Dialogue.



There is no doubt that this experience, which is unique in the country, creates a milestone in the construction of new labor relations and shows how labor rights, union freedom, collective bargaining and Social Dialogue are compatible with and contribute to the healthy growth and sustainability of companies and the wellbeing of their workers.



Marie Claude Joachim

Vice President – Human Resources and Corporate Affairs

CARREFOUR COLOMBIA



Adriana Rosenzvaig

Regional Secretary

UNI AMERICAS