Solvay recently signed an agreement establishing a new Solvay Cares initiative that standardizes minimum social standards throughout its international group, which will apply to all of its 30,000 employees.

"Solvay's harmonizing of its social policy means all our employees will enjoy the same minimum social benefits, so it will protect those who live and work in countries where these benefits currently are not provided,” Cécile Tandeau de Marsac, Solvay's head of human resources, said in a company announcement. “True to our Group's century-old tradition of social responsibility, Solvay Cares will foster even more pride among our employees to be part of Solvay and stimulate their performance. This agreement shows Solvay's commitment to a global social dialogue with its employee representatives."

The agreement is between the group and the Solvay Global Forum, which is the company’s employee representation organization.

The new standards created through Solvay Cares include full income protection throughout 14 weeks of parental leave for the mother and one week for the co-parent. In cases of adoption, employees will receive one week of full income protection. The new standards also include at least 75 percent coverage for medical fees incurred through hospitalization and severe illness, disability insurance for lasting incapacity and life insurance coverage that includes the family or partner.