News

Bonn, Germany, October 5, 2017: Deutsche Post DHL Group (DPDHL), the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and UNI Global Union have jointly asked the German National Contact Point (NCP) for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises to extend a protocol to continue regular dialogue on industrial relations topics. The protocol was first signed in July 2016 by the German NCP.

On 21 September 2017, the three parties met with the German NCP and the protocol was formally extended until December 2019, when it will be reviewed again.

Already in June this year, DPDHL Board Member for Human Resources Melanie Kreis, UNI Global Union deputy general secretary Christy Hoffman and ITF general secretary Steve Cotton met to review progress under the protocol. All agreed that the constructive atmosphere and solution-oriented approach provided effective mutual benefit.

Steve Cotton said: "This dialogue as agreed is a big win for all. We have shown over the first year of this agreement that it can work. All parties are working together to ensure accountability, and a platform of mutual trust has begun to develop.”

Christy Hoffman added: "This protocol has already helped to resolve disputes. It has been good for workers, and it has been good for DPDHL. Other multinationals should take notice of what we have achieved here."

Melanie Kreis confirmed: “The protocol provides a platform for a meaningful dialogue. It is Deutsche Post DHL Group’s intention to use the established process to further build trust so that open discussions are ensured. That goes along with the commitment that the parties try to resolve issues locally first. I believe that this approach contributes to a resolution-oriented relationship.”

For further information contact:

Richard Elliott, richard.elliott@uniglobalunion.org

+41 79 7949709