In 2003, following significant internal and external engagement, Ford adopted a Code of Basic Working Conditions, which articulates our commitments on key human and labor rights issues, and provides the foundation for our efforts in this area.
The Code is based on fundamental elements of internationally recognized labor standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Labour Organization Covenants, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the United Nations' Global Compact Principles, Global Sullivan Principles, and standards of the Fair Labor Association and International Metalworkers Federation.
Since 2003, we have developed a range of processes to ensure that our own operations and those of our suppliers are adhering to the Code in practice, including integrating the Code and its supporting assessment process into Ford's Global Manufacturing Scorecard, a key tool we use to manage our manufacturing operations. This section provides information on key actions we took in 2006 to continue to integrate human rights into our operations, including:
- Revising our Code
- Assessing working conditions in Ford facilities and our supply chain
- Working with our suppliers to build their capacity on human rights
- Helping launch an industry-wide effort to address working conditions across the global supply chain
