The IUF has signed a first of its kind in the catering sector Declaration of Intent on health and safety (in English and French) with the TNC Sodexo.
The Declaration references the international standards contained in ILO OSH conventions, in particular C155 with its risk assessment and hierarchy of hazard control approach and central role for elected union health and safety representatives.
- Through reference to ILO standards, the Declaration rejects Behaviour Based Safety in accordance with the IUF Congress mandate
- Sodexo and the IUF commit to ongoing work and regular review to ensure protection of workers from the risk of occupational illness and from accidents
- The agreement encourages affiliates and Sodexo to negotiate implementation at local and national level
- The Declaration is signed at a time when the IUF is campaigning along with sister global unions for a core health and safety convention to be designated by the ILO as a fundamental right at work applicable to all member States
Denis Machuel, Chief Executive Officer Sodexo Worldwide, said, “The declaration of intent is a critical step towards collectively restating that ensuring our employees’ health and safety is pivotal to everything we do and the way we work at Sodexo. Together with the IUF, we are committed to partner with unions, employee representatives and clients to raise the bar on health and safety standards and help drive improvements across the industry.”
Sue Longley, IUF General Secretary, affirmed, “Health and safety has always been a priority for workers, but the COVID-19 pandemic has underlined its fundamental importance and the need for joint union-management action. This agreement represents a real opportunity for unions to strengthen their representation on safety and health. We will be working with our affiliates to give it life at all levels – local, national and international.”
