Amicus has backed the alliance, which will step up cooperation between unions across national borders in their organising activities.

It will also seek a global agreement with the Chicago-based firm, which employs 60,000 workers worldwide.
Core labour standards laid down by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) will be ensured wherever the firm is based.

Amicus national officer Steve Sibbald said: “It’s hard to see how a company the size and importance of RR Donnelley could turn down a commitment that bans discrimination and outlaws child labour, as well as opposing union organisation in some of its plants worldwide.”

Amicus and other trade unions in RR Donnelley’s European subsidiaries are due to start negotiations soon. This follows an agreement to set up a European Works Council.