The participants, hailing from 29 countries, demanded the extension of UNI Global Union´s agreement with G4S to continue solving problems, ensure close cooperation and minimize business disruption as the British conglomerate is facing a takeover by the US-based rival Allied Universal.
“The company which emerges as the owner will be among the very largest employers in the world and will have responsibilities towards some of the lowest paid workers in the formal economy, often in countries with little respect for workers’ rights,” said Christy Hoffman General Secretary of UNI Global Union. “In this context our global agreement with G4S has been an essential tool to open some space for organizing and to hold the company accountable. It is not always perfect- it should be elevated as a priority within G4S, improved to incorporate human rights due diligence and enforced more consistently. But this agreement must remain in effect whatever the final result of this auction so that we can move forward, not go in reverse.”
UNI Global Union has worked hard over the years to negotiate and strengthen a global framework agreement with G4S that has secured workers’ and trade union rights for hundreds of thousands of workers and help mitigate workforce risks in complex and volatile environments.
“Our organizations have a common interest in ensuring a smooth transition. Our primary concern is to maintain, improve and expand our ethical employment relationship and global social dialogue with G4S, regardless of the outcome of the takeover,” said Eddy Stam Head of Property Services of UNI Global Union.
