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ABN AMRO, FNV and UNI Global Union have signed a global framework agreement (GFA) designed to strengthen the social dialogue with trade unions. The agreement confirms that both the bank and the unions pursue responsible and sustainable business operations. Under the agreement, the bank commits to the International Labour Organisation’s Fundamental principles and Rights at Work, including the freedom to belong to a union. Sustainability is an important theme in the agreement, both with respect to employees and to clients and society. A monitoring committee comprised of representatives from the unions and the bank will annually assess whether the parties have complied with the agreement.

Philip Jennings: “The global framework agreement with ABN AMRO is a great example of responsible finance in action, as it recognises that human rights and union rights, dialogue and dignity at work are integral to a bank’s overall sustainability strategy. We are laying the foundations of a new model of sustainable banking.”

FNV chairman Ton Heerts, FNV Finance director Carla Kiburg and General Secretary of UNI Global Union Philip Jennings signed the agreement on behalf of the unions. Chairman of the Managing Board Gerrit Zalm and Board member Caroline Princen signed the agreement on behalf of the bank.

Gerrit Zalm: “I am proud of ABN AMRO for being the first Dutch bank to sign this international framework agreement. This emphasises that anybody who wants to is also free to join a union, whether in the Netherlands or abroad. It also confirms that ABN AMRO is committed to pursuing social and sustainable business operations.”

Ton Heerts: “It is very important that ABN AMRO is the first bank in the Netherlands to take this step. This agreement guarantees the rights of employees in all countries – not only employees of the bank, but also at companies that the bank hires. Decent working hours and employment contracts are not the standard everywhere. This agreement also safeguards basic rights like the freedom to join a union, the freedom to negotiate and access to unions within companies.”

Press Contact

Richard Elliott - Director of Communications                                 

richard.elliott@uniglobalunion.org                             

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