Human Rights

Ford Motor Company has long recognized that treating people with dignity and respect is fundamental to how we conduct business around the world. In 2000, we made human rights a core element of our sustainability strategy, and in 2003, we began implementing the Ford Code of Basic Working Conditions (CWBC) throughout our global operations and $90 billion supply chain. Ford requires suppliers to ensure that products – no matter where they are made – are manufactured under conditions that demonstrate respect for the people who make them. This is just as important to us as quality, cost competitiveness and timeliness of delivery.

In order to effectively engage suppliers throughout the chain on issues relating to human rights and working conditions, Ford takes a three-pronged approach:

• Engagement with Individual Supplier Facilities: Training and capability building form the basis of Ford's supply chain working conditions program, supported by assessments of individual factories. Through these programs, we have trained 1,621 managers at 1,317 supplier companies and assessed more than 550 suppliers.
• Engagement with Key Suppliers' Corporate Management: Ford is working with its strategic production suppliers at the corporate level to enhance their policies, verification systems and ability to influence their own supply chains.
• Collaboration within the Automotive Industry: Ford is driving collaboration between automakers and supply chain companies on global working conditions issues through the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG).

During 2008, we expanded our work in each of these areas, with a goal to leverage our complex global supply chain to make a positive impact in the markets in which we do business.

In early 2008, Ford joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), a framework for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies with 10 universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption. This action reinforces our commitment to outstanding performance and transparency in these areas.

Ford was asked to join the UNGC's Human Rights Working Group as a representative of global industry; we are the only automotive company participating on that panel. The Working Group's objectives include outreach to other businesses and society and collective advocacy around the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Working Group also aims to improve dialogue with governments; build capacity on business and human rights generally and on particular human rights issues; foster collaboration with partners, including nongovernmental organizations; and work with business and human rights thought leaders to share methods and approaches.