A group with a European dimension

Now present in six European countries - Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy and the Netherlands - the Korian group today signed an agreement with 12 trade union organisations representing the various countries to create a European Works Council (EWC). This agreement, which is a first in the care services sector for the elderly and frail, testifies to Korian's constant commitment to the development of social dialogue at the various levels of the company.

Common Challenges to the 6 coutries

Composed of 12 representatives appointed by the signatory trade union organisations and members of the Group's General Management, the EWC will promote transnational consultation on developments in the Group's businesses and on the issues common to all 52,000 Korian employees, particularly in terms of work quality, training and professional careers. This European body, with an information and consultation mission, will operate in complementarity with the institutions representing the employees of each country.

"I am delighted with the creation of this European Works Council, a first in our sector of activity, and would like to acknowledge the quality of the dialogue with the 12 organisations that participated in the negotiation of this agreement. The establishment of this body is an important step in the construction of a truly European Group. We all share the conviction that open and in-depth social dialogue, at group and country level, is the key to sustainable development and creates value for all stakeholders," says Sophie Boissard, Executive Director of the Korian group.

 

Jan Willem Goudriaan, Secretary General of the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU), whose organisation coordinated the negotiation on the establishment of the Korian EWC: "The agreement concluded today between the Korian group and the employee representatives, to whom EPSU has given its support, is an important step towards strengthening the information and consultation rights of the company's employees. This new forum for social dialogue will contribute to the improvement of working conditions, which are so essential to the provision of quality care. This agreement sets a standard for the dependency and personal care sector. It is welcome that the Korian group is now a leader in this field among French and European multinationals."