Sri Lankan free trade zones are one of the most difficult areas in the world for trade union activities and organising workers. But despite workers facing severe anti-union and unfair labour practices from employers, IndustriALL affiliate the Free Trade Zone and General Services Employees Union (FTZ& GSEU) won a successful collective bargaining with Trelleborg Wheel Systems, the Sri Lankan subsidiary of a Swedish multinational manufacturer of tyres for agricultural and industrial machines.

The agreement, which covers about 140 workers in the factory, states that the employer will respect the right of each employee to become a member of the union, and prevent discrimination of employees due to union work.

Trelleborg Wheel Systems also agreed to create material and organisational conditions for union activity, including holding union meetings within the factory premises and time off for union office bearers to participate in union activities if notice is given. The union committed to carrying out its activities in a way that will not disturb the working time nor restrict the activity of the employer.

The agreement was signed recently and is retrospectively applicable for the period of 2014 to 2018. On fixing working hours, the company will discuss with the union and after reaching consensus the decision will be implemented by the management. It guarantees all statutory benefits on wages and working conditions and on certain provisions it goes beyond those statutory entitlements.