Press Release

Unite and the Confederation of Paper Industries launch a new national partnership agreement

11 October 2007

Unite, the UK's largest union and the Confederation of Paper Industries today (11/10/07) officially launched the Papermaking Industry’s New Partnership at Work National Agreement at the House of Commons.

The official launch follows the successful ballot of Unite and GMB members employed in papermaking, working under the Unite/GMB Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) National Agreement.

The DTI Funded Partnership At Work Agreement has been concluded following 18 months of detailed negotiation and consultation within Unite and the CPI.

The agreement follows on from a similar agreement reached by Unite with the British Printing Industries Federation.

Commenting on the new agreement Tony Burke, Unite Assistant General Secretary said: "Two years ago the unions (Amicus, TGWU and GMB) were concerned that the national agreement in papermaking was under threat. It certainly needed modernising and needed to reflect the modern papermaking industry in order to maintain collective bargaining at national level. We received tremendous help from Professor Frank Burchill of Warwick University who chaired the negotiations. Hopefully, the new agreement will assist in stabilising the industry and help more companies decide to work under the new agreement."

As well as the traditional issues of pay, hours of work, holidays and productivity the new Agreement includes new sections on equalities, bullying and dignity at work; employee development through detailed learning and skills clauses; the regulation of employment of temporary and agency workers; cancer screening; information and consultation etc

Paul Storey, Head of Employment Affairs at the CPI said "The Confederation of Paper Industries is pleased to welcome the formal launch of the Papermaking Partnership Agreement. The new agreement has sections that covers minimum standards on modern working arrangements and is supportive of good industrial relations by encouraging open and constructive dialogue between the employer and employee."

Unite National Officer for Papermaking and Packaging, Peter Ellis said "This agreement, overwhelmingly endorsed by a ballot of our members represents a great opportunity to continue the good industrial relations that exist in the paper industry.

It brings a modern approach to employment practice that will stand the test of time and secure a long term future for an industry-wide national agreement."

"We will be looking for our members to respect the productivity and flexibility clauses of the agreement, whilst pushing hard to establish its social aspects within the framework of their local arrangements."