Lafarge: interview of Philippe Jacquesson, SVP Social Policies for the group, about the global agreement on fundamental social rights and international social relations

In 2005, when it signed its Global Framework Agreement on fundamental rights, the French group was already a pioneer in establishing global dialogue with international unions.  On May 21, the group – which directly employs 65,000 people in 64 countries – renewed its international commitment to fundamental social rights, actually improving some areas.  In 8 years, the agreement was used to settle given situations and helped structure a transverse health and safety policy.  In this respect, it has improved competitiveness, according to Philippe Jacquesson who agreed to tell Planet Labor about this agreement and the way it is implemented.  (Ref.  130372)
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.
  • On May 21, you renewed your global agreement with IndustriAll Global Union and BWI. What could you say about this new agreement, to begin with?

Philippe Jacquesson. We negotiated for two years, with about one meeting every three months, before we came up with this text. The new agreement explains the commitments we already made in 2005 as regarding health and safety at work. It also contains a new commitment to diversity. These two commitments were already expressed in the group’s sustai

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Pascale Rauline (Axa EWC): “European charter formalises ongoing and accelerated social dialogue on AI”
On 27 November, Axa and its European works council (EWC) signed a charter setting out principles governing the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and guaranteeing social dialogue on the...
2
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
3
Germany: Erwin Hymer Group’s innovative and award-winning AI agreement
Fed up with negotiating separate agreements for each new artificial intelligence (AI) tool, the social partners at Erwin Hymer Group (8,900 employees) have instead secured a broad, overarching...
12 December 2025
4
France: Orange submits gender equality agreement – including AI provisions – for union approval
The three representative trade unions at Orange France have until 10 December to validate an agreement on gender equality, work–life balance and anti-discrimination measures. While the text...
5
EU: revised EWC directive published in official journal
The revision of the European Works Councils Directive, adopted by the European Parliament on 9 October, was published on 11 December in the EU’s official journal. Initiated in early 2023 by...
6
Germany: far-right-aligned ‘union’ sets sights on Volkswagen works councils
At next spring’s German works council elections, Zentrum – the 'alternative' union aligned with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party – will seek to strengthen its foothold in major...