ASOS signs global agreement with trade union

ASOS has signed a Global Framework Agreement with IndustriALL, the sectorial trade union organisation.

InduStriALL represents 50 million workers across 140 countries in the mining, energy and manufacturing sectors. It was established in 2012 as a collaboration of the former global union federations: International Metalworkers’ Federation (IMF), International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Unions (ICEM) and International Textiles Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation (ITGLWF).

According to ASOS, the agreement is a first for an e-commerce brand, and will help the company protect the “interests of factory workers producing its own-brand products in countries around the world.”

“This landmark Global Framework Agreement with IndustriALL is a signal of our intent to ensure that everyone working in our supply chain feels safe and respected by their employers and fellow workers,” said chief executive Nick Beighton.

“This can only be achieved if employees have the right to organise and bargain collectively, and the ability to ensure improved employment conditions are consistently implemented.”

Valter Sanches, IndustriALL general secretary, said: “This agreement provides mechanisms and standards to empower our unions to safeguard workers’ rights across ASOS’ global supply chain. The GFA deepens our relationship with ASOS, and is an important step for supply chain industrial labour relations.”

In the UK both The Community trade union and the GMB are affiliates of IndustriALL. Earlier this year The Community trade union reached agreement with XPO over representation of employees at two sites including the giant ASOS distribution centre at Barnsley.

The deal between ASOS and The Community enraged the GMB, which described itself as “the union for ASOS workers”. At the time it accused the Community Union of behaving like “bosses lackeys”.