Global fashion e-retailer ASOS has signed a Global Framework Agreement with the sectoral trade union organisation IndustriALL.

The international trade union organisation IndustriALL represents 50 million workers in 140 countries. They are in the mining, manufacturing and energy sectors. IndustriALL was established in 2012 as a collaboration between the former global federations of unions: International Metalworkers’ Federation (IMF), International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Unions (ICEM) and International Textiles Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation (ITGLWF).

ASOS say that the agreement is the first for an e-commerce brand. It should help the fashion giant 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.”

Both major unions at ASOS, The Community and the GMB are IndustriALL affiliates. The Community went into an agreement with XPO over the representation of staff at two sites including the ASOS DC in Barnsley. This caused problems with the GMB, but the issue seems to have been resolved with the work with IndustriALL.
 
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