News

RR Donnelley, the largest printer in the world with an estimated workforce of more than 70,000 has now signed a European Works Council Agreement with Special Negotiating Body representing employees in 12 different countries in the European Union. The negotiations for an EWC have been continuing for the last 3 years; since the legal request was made by GPM Sector of Unite and French Union, FILPAC CGT.



During that time a new directive has been issued which will deliver big improvements for employees in consultation and representation obligations. In spite of these improvements not being instigated for at least another two years, RR Donnelley nevertheless have incorporated the new provisions within the agreement and it is believed this is the very first new European Works Council which has incorporated the new provisions.



Steve Sibbald, National Officer for Unite, who was selected as the expert as a negotiator for the Special Negotiating Body, said “we are very pleased with the outcome of our negotiations with the Company. The Company have been very positive in their proposal for an agreement which made negotiations very constructive and which has resulted in a good agreement for Donnelley’s European Employees.” Andy Howley, the Chair of the SNB, also the FOC at RR Donnelley in Flaxby Moor was also “delighted” with the outcome of the negotiations. The Vice President of RR Donnelley Global, Mark Brothers, flew over from Chicago to sign the agreement on behalf of the Company, he said he was also delighted with the outcome of negotiations and assured the representatives that the Company intended to make the agreement work for the benefit of the Company and its European Employees.