• “EADS emphasises its belief that a continuous and high quality social dialogue is key to the Group. In particular, the European Works Council (“EWC”) facilitates a pro-active and fluid dialogue with employee representatives.
• EADS ensures that the representation of personnel is conducted throughout all its BUs in a constructive atmosphere. This maintains a proper balance between the interests of employees and the economic interests of the Group.”

European Works Council

On 23rd October 2000, at an early stage of the formation of EADS, the management and employee representatives from the unions and works council operating within EADS in France, Germany, Spain and U.K. signed an agreement for the establishment of the EWC.

• The EWC meets twice a year for information and consultation on evolution of the business and the prospects of the Group.
• The EWC also comprises an economic committee which meets four times a year and focuses on economic matters.
• European sub-committees have also been set up in various BUs such as Airbus, Eurocopter, EADS SPACE and EADS DS and replicate the EADS EWC model.
• National committees in France, Germany, and Spain enable dialogue on national matters, under the subsidiarity principle.

International Framework Agreement

Placed in the context of globalization of EADS activities and as an illustration of the continuous dialogue principle the EADS Group and the Group’s European Works Council concluded in June 2005 an International Framework Agreement. By this agreement, the signatories expressed their attachment to common principles and social standards which they recognise as fundamental, and which they intend to promote worldwide, in the countries where EADS activities are implemented. EADS and the Group’s European Works Council so expressed their strong belief that Corporate Social Responsibility is a key to long-term success.

The European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) and the International Metalworkers’ Federation (IMF) associate themselves with these principles and are, accordingly, co-signatories of the agreement.

The principles contained in the International Framework Agreement are aligned with the general rules of ILO conventions, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the principles laid down by the UN Global Compact, which EADS signed in October 2003, and they are in compliance with the Code of Ethics.

They cover the fields of equal opportunities and non-discrimination in respect of employment, of working conditions and environmental protection, condemn recourse to child labour, recognise the principles of freedom of association and the protection of trade unions’ rights.

EADS expects all its suppliers to recognise and apply the principles of this framework agreement.

Overview of collective agreements signed with Unions since 2000

• EADS Group Agreements were concluded on the following matters:
  • Establishment of a European Works Council ⁽¹⁾;
  • Linking personnel to the business performance of the Group ⁽²⁾;
  • International Framework Agreement.
• In Germany, Tariff Agreements were concluded in relation to such matters as holiday pay, Christmas bonus, sick pay, and early retirement, as well as agreements with the works council on success sharing, insurance package, company pension, early retirement deferred compensation, suggestion scheme, family and work life balance, disabled people.
• In France, Group Agreements were concluded in relation to such matters as employment issues, union’s rights and social dialogue, pre-retirement, management of second half of career, health cost coverage, French national committee and unions coordinators, professional equality and diversity, working time.
• In Spain, a collective bargaining agreement includes social benefits such as aid to children of employees, collective transport, retirement, life insurance, loans, prize at retirement, canteens, aids to worker association.

It has to be noted that collective agreements can be signed at the BU level on matters directly related to their specific social perimeters.