BWI, IG Metall and Faber Castell revised the international framework agreement (IFA) from 3 March 2000. “The BWI is satisfied with the implementation and monitoring mechanism which is much stronger than before”, said Anita Normark, general secretary of the BWI. Normark adds: "The agreement covers provisions on freedom of association and collective bargaining rights, discrimination, decent wages and working conditions, forced labour, child labour, health and safety, living wages, employment conditions, working hours, HIV/AIDS, referencing the standards as established by the core labour conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO)."

Faber-Castell is based in Stein/Nuremberg in Germany. It is one of the world's leading manufacturers of writing, drawing and painting products as well as cosmetics pencils and applicators. The previous agreement was initially negotiated by the German Wood Workers Union GHK which merged with IG Metall in 2000.

For the IFA, click here.