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London 2012 and the Trades Union Congress have agreed to continue to work together for an ‘inspirational’ Olympic and Paralympic Games with a sustainable legacy.

The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) and Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) have announced today the agreement of a set of overarching ‘Principles of Cooperation’ with the Trades Union Congress. While not legally binding the principles form the basis of positive partnership between the TUC and the organisations delivering London 2012 on areas such as training, equality, health and safety and fair employment standards.

The agreement between the TUC and London 2012 recognises the complexity of preparing and organising the Games and that many different companies and organisations will be involved employing people on a range of timescales and terms and conditions. The Principles of Cooperation underpin the shared aspiration: “that working on the Games shall be one of the most memorable life and work experiences for the Games workforce”.

While setting a framework for positive industrial relations around London 2012 the principles are explicit that employee and industrial relations are a matter for employers and their employees. The principles do not supersede the Memorandum of Agreement between the ODA and construction unions or any existing national or workplace agreements.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee said: 'These Principles identify the foundations for a smooth and stable industrial relations environment at the broadest level. All parties will work together to the same objective – the successful delivery of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012. We want to deliver a memorable Games and a great experience for everyone – including our workforce, and very much welcome the TUC’s support '

ODA Chairman John Armitt said: 'These overarching principles build on our existing positive agreement with construction unions covering the work to deliver the venues and infrastructure for London 2012. They further demonstrate a shared commitment to not only delivering a huge and complex project on time and to budget but also to high health and safety standards with fair employment conditions and a real employment legacy for east London.'

Olympics Minister, Tessa Jowell said: 'This is an important step in ensuring that all those involved in delivering the Games benefit from fair terms and conditions of employment, training opportunities and quality health, safety and welfare provision. I welcome the TUC and ODA’s commitment to a constructive and co-operative employment relations framework for London 2012.

'We want London 2012 to be remembered not just as a fantastic festival of sport, but also for showcasing positive working relations.'

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Today’s agreement will help to ensure that London 2012 will be a fantastic experience for those building and running the Games, as well as for those watching and participating in it.

'London won the Games partly because of its commitment to regenerating the local area and creating a sustainable legacy. We believe this agreement will help deliver those commitments by promoting fair employment, training and good working conditions for the London 2012 workforce.'

The Principles of Cooperation recognise the importance of joint working to:
• deliver the Games on time, on budget and to a high standard.
• ensure a safe working environment, with effective industrial relations and fair terms and conditions of employment.
• help the regeneration of the area around the Olympic Park through new employment and opportunities by developing closer links between local communities and London 2012.
• make fair employment standards a key consideration in the procurement process.
• enable all those contributing to delivering the Games having access to learning and training opportunities at work as well as information about their employment rights and trade union membership.

(Source: LOCOG)