Schneider Electric and the EMF sign a European agreement on "anticipation of change"
Rueil-Malmaison, 12 July 2007 – Schneider Electric and the European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) have just signed a European agreement in respect of «anticipating change».
In order to maintain its competitiveness targets, Schneider Electric must demonstrate a high capacity for adapting to the permanent change which characterises the economic context within which it operates. This is a constant requirement and also means that Schneider Electric’s employees are an integral part of this process. «This is exactly why it was necessary to draw up a European collective agreement on the subject of « anticipating change » declared Jean-François Pilliard, Executive Vice President Strategic Resources and Organization.
Agreement text now available in English and French.
This agreement is also the concrete translation of one of Schneider Electric’s principles of responsibility, which lays down the requirement of « providing guarantees for the development of its employees and ensuring their employability».
Finally, the conclusion of this agreement is in keeping with Schneider Electric’s determination to provide change management measures for its employees and permit them to develop their skills throughout their professional career.
The European agreement provides for:
Schneider Electric and the EMF are aware of the need to ensure that employees are provided with genuine change management support measures in the development of their professional career paths.
«This agreement and all the measures it entails aims at emphasizing the positive aspect of change via the promotion of social dialogue and at preparing employees for the job/skill profile changes that are necessary for the development of Schneider Electric. Its purpose is to pave the way for the future of the company and its employees», stated Jean-François Pilliard, Executive Vice President Strategic Resources and Organization.
«This innovatory agreement reflects the importance of vocational training for the employees and for the company», added Bart Samyn, Deputy General Secretary of the EMF.
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The EMF is the representative body defending the interests of workers in the European metal industry. The EMF has a mandate for the external representation and coordination of the metalworkers' unions and a mandate to engage in bargaining at European level.
Schneider Electric is the world’s power and control specialist. Through its world-class brands, Merlin Gerin, Square D and Telemecanique, Schneider Electric anticipates and satisfies its customers’ requirements in the residential, building, industry and energy and infrastructure markets. With 112,000 employees and operations in 190 countries, Schneider Electric generated sales of €13.7 billion in 2006 through 15,000 distributor outlets.
For more information, please contact Bart Samyn, Deputy General Secretary of the EMF.
