Initial Assessment BWI et al. vs Inter IKEA Holding B.V.

The Dutch NCP has accepted a recent notification of BWI (Building and Wood Workers International), the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers of North America (IAMAW) and Facket För Skogs-, Trä och Grafisk Branch (GS Facket) regarding an alleged violation of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises by Inter IKEA Holding B.V. 

The notification regards alleged violations of the chapter Employment and Industrial Relations (Chapter V) of the OECD Guidelines. According to the notifying party Inter IKEA neglected to inform and consult the trade union in time regarding the closure of an IKEA production location in the USA (subsidiary of Inter IKEA Holding B.V., Netherlands). Inter IKEA also, allegedly, neglected meaningful engagement with regard to the renewal of the International Framework Agreement.

The NCP is of the opinion that the notification merits further consideration and has offered its good offices to both parties.  On the date of publication of the Initial Assessment, 25 October 2021, it is nog yet clear if the parties will accept the good offices of the Dutch NCP. If the good offices are not accepted, the NCP will examine the issues concerned. In both cases, the NCP will complete the procedure by issuing a Final Statement, which will be published on the NCP website.