UNI Global Union and Carrefour have renewed their global agreement, extending a partnership that has lasted for 24 years. The agreement aims to protect workers’ rights in Carrefour’s direct and franchised operations around the world.
Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, said: “The Carrefour agreement continues to deliver, not only in scope and strength but also in its positive impact for workers. This renewed agreement reflects our shared commitment to decent work, social dialogue and workers’ rights to organize across Carrefour’s global footprint – and it is producing real results, from Turkey to Côte d’Ivoire.”
The new four-year deal includes commitments on trade union rights, collective bargaining, gender equality, anti-discrimination—including protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity—and measures against violence and harassment at work. It is among the first global agreements to incorporate International Labour Organization Convention 190, which addresses workplace violence and harassment.
The signing took place in Paris on October 17 during the final day of the Carrefour European Works Council (EWC) Annual Meeting. Representatives from France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Romania and Poland attended. The EWC has supported the global framework agreement by developing documents on gender equality and violence against women.
This global agreement has resulted in ongoing social dialogue between UNI Global Union and Carrefour as well as increased union representation for workers in countries such as Argentina, Romania, Tunisia, Turkey, the Dominican Republic, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire.
Carrefour has maintained its due diligence obligations under the agreement even as it changes its global presence. This includes upholding standards throughout its franchise network.
“At a time when many companies are rolling back protections and turning away from their responsibilities to workers, Carrefour is standing firm,” Hoffman said. “By renewing this global agreement, Carrefour is showing that respect for trade union rights, equality and inclusion are essential to doing business responsibly in today’s uncertain world.”
UNI Global Union represents about 20 million service sector employees worldwide with approximately 4 million working in commerce. Carrefour operates directly in seven countries—France, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Romania, Argentina and Brazil—and runs franchise operations across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
