Maintain an open channel of information between Hydro and unions on industrial relations issues in order to develop and continuously improve good labor practices in the company's operations around the world. This is the purpose of the agreement signed at Hydro's headquarters in Oslo last Tuesday.

The basic principles in the agreement include support for the observance of basic human rights in communities and workplaces. The parties also recognize the importance of safety, health and well-being in the workplace.

Hydro already has a comprehensive social responsibility program responsible for producing a variety of policies that embody the company's values around the world. The company works based on the principles established in such policies and seeks to develop good work practices and to improve them continuously.

Important agreement

The new agreement, which will be added to the programs already established, is considered by the unions as something important.

“We are very pleased because, through this agreement, we are able to make the longstanding relationship between the company's management and unions possible for other operations around the world,” said Billy Fredagsvik, employee representative on Hydro's Board of Directors. .

"This agreement represents an important basis for global social dialogue, which is essential for the development and healthy growth of a global company with Hydro," said Sten Roar Martinsen, also employee representative on Hydro's Board. < / p>

Wenche Agerup, executive vice president and responsible for Hydro's corporate staffs, also welcomed the agreement. “In 105 years of activities, Hydro has had good experience in maintaining an open dialogue with employees. The global agreement advances in strengthening union relations developed around the world ”.

Reach in all activities with Hydro's direct control

The unions that signed the agreement are Fellesforbundet (Federation of United Trade Unions in Norway), Industri Energi, IMF (International Union of Metallurgical Workers) and ICEM (International Union of Workers in the Chemical, Energy and Mining Industries). < / p>

The terms of the agreement take into account the Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, published in 1998 by the International Labor Organization (ILO), Conventions and Recommendations made by the ILO, the “Global Compact” and the Universal Declaration of Rights Human Rights, the Organization's Guide to Multinational Enterprises for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), as well as Hydro's own policies in the area of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility.

The agreement covers all activities in which Hydro has direct control, considering compliance with the practices and laws in force in the country in which the company is operating. Where Hydro does not have full control, the company will make the necessary efforts to ensure that the standards set out in the agreement are met. As agreed between the parties, certain elements related to operations in the United States have not yet been concluded, and a working group will be established to address these points.

Initially, the agreement is valid for two years and can be extended after this period.