News

RR Donnelly

To Mr T Quinlan

111 South Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

USA



Nyon, December 16th, 2008



Dear Mr. Quinlan,



UNI Global Union represents 20 million members in over 140 countries in more than 900 unions worldwide and I am writing on their behalf to protest the action taken by your company at the RRD plant in Santa Rita, Brazil against our affiliate there.



We have been informed of the unfair suspension of Sergio Ricardo de Almeida, a worker at the plant and a recognised union representative.



The workers at the plant had voted to hold an Extraordinary Assembly, in the framework of the annual wage negotiations, a decision which was appropriately communicated to the company.



The management at the plant clearly over reached, they took measures to prevent staff from attending the meeting, thus hindering the functioning of the union. We have learned to our disgust and anger that Sergio Ricardo de Almeida has subsequently been given a five day suspension for convening the meeting.



We request the withdrawal of the sanctions imposed on Sergio de Almeida. His responsibility was to conduct an Assembly that had been democratically decided by members. We also request that the plant supervisors respect the union rights established by the Brazilian Constitution and International labour standards.



The actions taken against Sergio are draconian and reflect poorly on the public image of the company.



We would like to use this opportunity to draw your attention, once again, that UNI Global Union has been requesting a meeting with you or your representatives for more than two years, and to date there has been no response from your side.



One of the objectives of the global dialogue to which UNI Global Union and its affiliates aspire is to avoid situations such as that which occured in Brazil, we want to promote social dialogue and positive labour relations.



We request that the sanctions against Sergio Ricardo de Almeida be withdrawn and that Donnelly and UNI Global Union now get together to build a global dialogue.



Yours sincerely,



Philip J.Jennings

General Secretary