Industrial relations GRI - G4: 11

The union agreement on the launch of the SMART GAS project, which defines the regulatory reorganisation of the Company and the introduction of innovative technologies and new devices for use by workers in the field, was signed with the national secretaries of the trade union organisations, the labour science organisations and the unitary union representative (RSU) committee for negotiations. A dedicated joint technical commission formed by representatives of the company and the trade unions is currently responsible for monitoring in order to analyse the technical aspects of the project and resolve any problems.

The signing of the agreement with the national functions, supported by RSU delegations throughout the country, on the new Italgas operating and organisational model meant to further reinforce distribution service quality and safety levels as well as continuity, was very important for the Group.

In the gas-water segment, after a detailed process the issue concerning the closure of the Gas Fund has finally been resolved. Indeed, the union agreement signed in November, made possible by a dedicated legislative intervention, put an end to the issue mentioned above which, in view of the launch of area tenders, had been of significant concern to all of the sector’s major players.

Projects and initiatives meant to strengthen the business of the Group’s various companies generated excellent results in the storage field as well. Indeed, after the relative statement of agreement was signed, the new Bordolano compression station was completed and began operating.

Based on our strong conviction that socially sustainable business development benefits the company and our people, we signed the union agreement on the launch of a trial form of flexible working (SMART WORKING) set to begin already at the start of 2016. This trial, which is currently limited to certain Snam staff departments, will be completed this year. After the results are analysed, a decision will be taken as to whether apply this programme to all Group Companies.

At the end of 2015, the union procedure pursuant to Article 47 of Law 428/1990 as amended relating to the deed of merger of Azienda Energia e Servizi Torino S.P.A. (A.E.S.) with Società Italiana per il Gas S.p.A. (Italgas) was launched. The union agreement upon completion of this procedure was signed within the terms established by law and the deed of merger will take effect as of January 2016.

Negotiations are underway for the renewal of the two national labour agreements applied within the Group.