Code of Basic Working Conditions
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 UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- The ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy
- OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
- The Global Sullivan Principles of Social Responsibility
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.
Child Labor
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.
Compensation
We will promote our employees' material well-being by providing compensation and benefits that are competitive and comply with applicable law.
Forced Labor
We will not use forced labor, regardless of its form. We will not tolerate physically abusive disciplinary practices.
Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
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.
Harassment and Discrimination
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.
Health and Safety
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.
Work Hours
We will comply with applicable law regulating hours of work.
Community Engagement & Indigenous Populations
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.
Bribery and Corruption
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.
Environment and Sustainability
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.
Responsibility and Implementation
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.
Verification
We will, as appropriate, seek the assistance of independent third parties to verify our compliance with this Code.