LafargeHolcim establish new European Works Council
Company and employee representatives in Europe renew their commitment to social dialogue
LafargeHolcim and employee representatives in Europe have renewed their commitment to social dialogue by establishing the new European Works Council (EWC).
The EWC brings together representatives from 19 countries with senior leaders from LafargeHolcim and will constitute an important forum for consultation and dialogue at a transnational level.
The EWC was officially established on 27 March 2017, based on an agreement signed by Eric Olsen, chief executive officer of LafargeHolcim, and executive committee members Caroline Luscombe, who is responsible for organization and human resources, and Roland Köhler, who is responsible for Europe, Australia/New Zealand and trading, as well as Sam Hägglund, General Secretary of the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers EFBWW, among other management and employee representatives.
Eric Olsen said: ‘People are essential to the success of LafargeHolcim, and our commitment to social dialogue through the new European Works Council is testament to this. During a period of transformation, we recognize that ensuring the full commitment, mobilization and engagement of our employees is a key building block for success.’
Chaired by Roland Köhler (pictured), the EWC replaces the previous European Works Councils and is said to form an important milestone in the social dialogue approach of the new Group.
Countries represented in the EWC include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and the UK.
Sam Hägglund, General Secretary of the EFBWW, said: ‘We are glad that, after thorough discussions, we have come to a new European Works Council Agreement that meets not only the needs of employees and trade unions, but also reflects the ambitions of LafargeHolcim.
‘Being a market leader also creates responsibilities for the social dialogue in this group. I have the feeling that this new agreement is a milestone in this process and could form the basis for further talks at global level.’
