This Code of Basic Working Conditions represents the commitment of Ford and its worldwide subsidiaries. The diverse group of men and women who work for Ford are our most important resource. In recognition of their contributions, we have developed policies and programs designed to ensure that our employees enjoy the protection afforded by the principles articulated today in this Code. While these principles are not new to Ford, they are vitally important to what we stand for as a company. Consequently, we have chosen to summarize them here in an expression of our global commitment.
While this Code of Conduct serves to detail, specifically, our standards for labor and environmental standards throughout our global operations, it also stands as a general endorsement of the following human rights frameworks and charters:
The diverse universe in which Ford operates requires that a Code such as this be general in nature. In certain situations, local legal requirements, collective bargaining agreements and agreements freely entered into by employees may supersede portions of this Code. Nevertheless, we believe this Code affirms important, universal values that serve as the cornerstone of our relationship with employees.
We will not use child labor. In no event will we employ any person below the age of 15, unless this is part of a government-authorized job training or apprenticeship program that would be clearly beneficial to the persons participating.
We will promote our employees' material well-being by providing compensation and benefits that are competitive and comply with applicable law.
We will not use forced labor, regardless of its form. We will not tolerate physically abusive disciplinary practices.
We recognize and respect our employees' right to associate freely and bargain collectively. We will work constructively with recognized representatives to promote the interests of our employees. In locations where employees are not represented by unions, we will seek to provide opportunities for employee concerns to be heard.
We will not tolerate harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, religion, age, ethnic or national origin, marital/parental status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We will provide and maintain for all employees a safe and healthy working environment that meets or exceeds applicable standards for occupational safety and health.
We will comply with applicable law regulating hours of work.
We shall consider indigenous peoples among our primary stakeholders in all projects we consider undertaking. We will openly and honestly engage all recognized members of our stakeholder community who have an interest in our activities.
We will under no circumstances tolerate the giving or receiving of undue reward to influence the behavior of another individual, organization, politician or government body, so as to acquire a commercial advantage; this extends to all of our regional operations, regardless of whether bribery is officially tolerated and condoned.
We will conduct business in an environmentally friendly and responsible manner. We will seek to reduce and minimize the environmental impact of all of our operations in the short term, as we seek to become an environmentally restorative and truly sustainable company in the long term.
We will communicate this Code of Basic Working Conditions to all employees. As appropriate under local practice, we will seek the support and assistance of unions and employee representatives in this effort. We will encourage our business partners throughout our value chain to adopt and enforce similar policies. We will seek to identify and utilize business partners who aspire in the conduct of their business to standards that are consistent with this Code.
Employees with a good-faith belief that there may have been a violation of this Code should report it through established channels, if known, or to the Office of the General Counsel at fordlaw@ford.com. No retaliatory actions will be taken against any employee who makes such a report or cooperates in an investigation of such a violation reported by someone else.
We will, as appropriate, seek the assistance of independent third parties to verify our compliance with this Code.