Proceedings of 8th European Assembly on telework (Telework2001)

99What is global e-Work?E-work is work, which is carried out remotely from another location, country or continent. Distancebridging facilitators for e-work are a variety <strong>of</strong> information and communication technologies,such as data transmission facilities, e-mail, video/audio conferencing, Internet/Intranet/Extranetetc. Work involving two or several countries is here called global e-work. E-work can be doneby individuals, cooperating company units, work groups or geographically dispersed work teams(virtual teams).Who does the Code concern?Users and endorsers <strong>of</strong> the Code are multinational companies and the addressees are policy anddecision makers at corporate level and at entities/work sites abroad. The values expressed in thiscode <strong>of</strong> conduct are also applicable to suppliers, subcontractors and other local partners.Ethical and value platform <strong>of</strong> the Code:Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is considered as general framework <strong>of</strong> the developmentand implementation <strong>of</strong> the Code <strong>of</strong> Practice for Global e-work. Guiding principles <strong>of</strong> the Codeare equal opportunities for e-workers, understanding for technical opportunities and limitations,respect for cultural diversities, environmental care and good corporate citizenship towards thesocieties in which the company operate. National and international regulations have been regardedas a mandatory minimum for all modes <strong>of</strong> work – including global e-work. Such internationalframeworks are:• United Nations Declaration <strong>of</strong> Human Rights,• ILO conventions,• ILO Tripartie Declaration <strong>of</strong> Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and SocialPolicy,• OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises,• Kyoto Protocol on climate change,• EU directivesThe statements <strong>of</strong> these guidelines are not repeated in the Code, which rather focus on extension,adjustment and application <strong>of</strong> these general statements to global e-work. Also other legalframeworks, guidelines, principles, codes and reporting standards have been reviewed and takeninto account when drafting the Code proposed by the VIP initiative.e-Work Conditions (Employment standards and Work and wellbeing)Equal opportunities and equal treatment <strong>of</strong> all employees are essential for knowledge basede-work between dispersed entities. Therefore, enterprises should pay particular attention to thecircumstances typical for work across distances, different time zones, working life cultures andlanguage areas. In order to achieve fair standards regarding quality <strong>of</strong> work life and work conditionsacross the company, enterprises should accept the necessity to go beyond legal requirements.Enterprises should:• Make clear the legal status <strong>of</strong> the e-workers and communicate to all relevant parties about thelegal and regulatory frameworks in force.• Harmonize work conditions between co-operating entities and strive for fairness and transparencyregarding employment contracts.