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The agreement was first signed in 2011, with the participation of Contraf-CUT, the National Confederation of Financial Sector Workers.



"This was a truly historic agreement and its renewal is important because it signals the possibility of seeking similar negotiations with other banks. As a union leader and as a Brazilian citizen, I am proud to have participated in its negotiation. It will ensure union organization, the right to collective bargaining and to unionize, improving the lives of Banco do Brasil employees in all countries throughout the Americas where BB operates", celebrated Carlos Cordeiro, president of Contraf-CUT and UNI Americas Finance.



André Rodrigues, director of UNI Americas Finance, said that the organization "appreciates very much the social dialogue and global framework agreements that enable increased equity and the reduction of inequality in different countries in relation to workers’ rights."



"The renewal of this Framework Agreement is especially important for countries where workers have a deficit of rights and respect for union activity", adds André.



At the meeting of the renewal of the agreement, the Secretary of Union Education of Contraf-CUT and coordinator of the National Committee of Banco do Brazil Employees, William Mendes, said that the Bank Workers Union of Paraguay has been denied the right to reach an agreement with BB in the neighboring country. The vice president of Human Resources at the Banco do Brasil, Robson Rocha, said it will take steps to solve the problem.



The president of the Bank Workers Union of São Paulo, Juvandia Moreira, highlighted that the document became a benchmark on an international level. "We are seeking to sign similar agreements with other banks, due to the fact that in many countries, for example in Colombia, rights such as freedom of union organizing are not respected. Workers are harassed and even murdered simply because they were trying to organize workers to fight for their rights”.



What is a Global Framework Agreement?



A Global Framework Agreement is an important tool to ensure workers' rights at international level, whether for Bank of Brazil workers or for bank workers who work at banks under the control of BB. The document states that the bank must respect bank workers’ rights in their countries, both from local legislation and from collective bargaining agreements, as well as their fundamental rights at work, for example:



- Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;



- Elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labor;



- The effective abolition of child labor;



- Elimination of employment discrimination.



The agreement also states that the bank must comply with and respect the Ten Universal Principles set out in Global Compact, as well as adopting measures to combat and prevent health problems arising from work activity.



"This agreement, signed in 2011 and reaffirmed in 2013, is an important tool for union organisation in each country to ensure the protection and organization of bank workers. Let's continue the struggle to protect and expand workers’ rights in the financial sector at international level because banks today operate globally and our struggle is class struggle", concluded William.



UNI Americas met on Thursday, June 20, with Itaú bank in São Paulo, the largest private bank in Latin America, resuming discussions initiated last year for the signing of a Global Framework Agreement which guaranteed fundamental rights for workers in all countries where the bank operates.



"Itaú is a bank that crosses Brazilian borders, working in several countries in Latin America. Therefore, it is part of our agenda for signing a global framework agreement, following the example of Banco do Brasil", said Carlos Cordeiro, President of Contraf-CUT and UNI Americas Finance.



"Besides BB, we presented other experiences of global agreements from within and outside the financial sector. With this kind of commitment, both workers and companies can gain in terms of corporate image and governance", says André Rodrigues, regional director of UNI Americas.



The Regional Secretary of UNI Americas, Adriana Rosenzvaig, also took part in the meeting, together with the coordinator of the Itaú Union Network, Horacio Sartori, and the General Secretary of the Itaú Bank Workers Union of Paraguay, Didar Pakraván.

Representing Itaú bank, the HR director, Marcelo Orticelli, and the Labor Relations Superintendent, Marco Aurelio Oliveira, attended the meeting.



Source: Contraf-CUT