News

On 4 May, Oxfam Germany published a report accusing Metro Group of not respecting Indian labour law and paying workers less than the required minimum wage. The Oxfam report said, that: “In addition, union members are disadvantaged. "Although the Metro Group is committed to respecting basic international labour rights both within Metro Group and in the supply chain, unionised employees of the Indian subsidiary of Metro Cash & Carry are ignored with regard to salary increases and promotions," says Humbert [Franziska Humbert, secretary for social corporate responsibility at Oxfam Germany].….”



These accusations were refuted in a lengthy interview with Frans Muller (Board of Directors) by German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung. In the interview Muller describes the difficulties involved with monitoring the global supply chain but maintains that the company policy is to treat male and female workers on equal terms, including for salaries. On the issue of workers joining and being members of a trade union, he stated:



“We welcome it if our employees are involved in works councils or in a trade union. Such activities must be possible without opposition. This is our standard which we have also clearly conveyed to our Indian managers.”



UNI Commerce warmly welcomes the statement by Frans Muller which sends a clear message to Metro workers around the world and represents a step forward from Metro's formerly "neutral" position towards unions. UNI sees this as the result of the long-standing global dialogue and cooperation with the company.



In India, UNI Commerce established a trade union shortly after Metro Cash & Carry opened up its first stores in Bangalore and Hyderabad and Metro has accepted their presence. Certainly, not all issues are solved but jointly a framework has been established which will make it possible to address issues in a constructive manner.



UNI Commerce is building an All-India commerce trade union UNICOME which encompasses workers in foreign multinationals such as Metro as well as Indian retail- and wholesale companies.



On 14/15 June UNI, the UNI Metro Global Union Alliance will be formed which aims to further develop the dialogue with the company on all levels and to set up a joint monitoring body for a future global agreement.





Read more about UNICOME, Oxfam's study and Metro Group's response on:

http://www.uniglobalunion.org/Apps/iportal.nsf/pages/20090218_dl9cEn

http://www.oxfam.de/presse/100504-oxfam-studie-zur-metro-group

http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/226/510346/text/