Under the agreement, US-owned RR Donnelley will have to meet with representatives in 12 different EU countries, as well as a select committee made up of the 12 unions.

Negotiations were led by GPM Sector of Unite and French Union FILPAC CGT.

According to Unite national officer Steve Sibbald, negotiating with US companies can often be tricky.

He said: "It is always a bit of a culture shock for US companies that they have to consult with employees on a legal basis. Having said that, we have no problem with RR Donnelley and we have a very good relationship with them."

During the three years' negotiation a new directive was issued that Unite believes will deliver big improvements for employees in consultation and representation obligations. However, the changes will not come in for at least another two years.

Vice president of RR Donnelley Global, Mark Brothers, flew over from Chicago to sign the agreement on behalf of the company.

RR Donnelley employs some 70,000 staff worldwide, with around 6,000 of those falling under the reach of the EU.