ZVEI Code of Conduct to Social Responsibility
Preamble
The ZVEI - Association of the Electrical
Engineering and Electronics Industry and its member companies take
responsibility for their social responsibility relating to worldwide business
activity (widely called ‚CSR'1 internationally). This 'ZVEI-Code of Conduct to
social responsibility' (hereafter referred to as 'CoC') is an industrial
guideline that records what this means in particular in regards to working
conditions, social and environmental sustainability as well as transparency,
trusting cooperation and dialogue. The contents of this CoC that have been
mapped out and agreed upon by the ZVEI in cooperation with its member companies
are an expression of the shared values of the ZVEI, as defined in the ZVEI‘s
vision and mission and, in particular, in its commitment to the social market
economy.
The ZVEI recommends its member companies to adhere
to this CoC. It is designed as a voluntary commitment that can be signed by
member companies. By providing this CoC, the ZVEI is helping them to respond to
the different framework conditions in a global market and to meet the
challenges and social expectations arising from the increasingly networked
cooperation inside the value chains.
1. Basic understanding of socially responsible corporate governance
This CoC is based on a common basic understanding of socially responsible corporate governance. For the signing company, this means that it takes responsibility by considering the consequences of its entrepreneurial decisions and actions in economic, technological, social and ecological terms and achieving an appropriate balance of interests. The signing company voluntarily contributes, in the scope of its respective possibilities and areas of action, to the well-being and sustainable development of the global society at the locations where it operates. Its orientation points are universal ethic values and principles, especially the integrity, honesty and the respect for human dignity.
2. Scope of application
2.1 This CoC applies to all worldwide subsidiaries
and business units of the signing company.
2.2 The signing company pledges to adhere to the
contents of this CoC among its suppliers and in the further value chain within
the scope of its respective possibilities and scope of action.
3. Key features of socially responsible corporate governance
The signing company actively works to ensure that
the values and principles set out below are observed and adhered to in the long
term.
3.1 Compliance with the law
The signing company complies with the current laws
and other legal regulations of the countries in which it is active. In
countries with a weak institutional framework, it carefully examines which good
corporate practice from its own home country should be used to support
responsible corporate governance.
3.2 Integrity and organisational governance
3.2.1 The signing company bases its actions on
generally accepted ethical values and principles, in particular integrity,
honesty, respect for human dignity, openness and non-discrimination of
religion, ideology, gender and ethnicity.
3.2.2 The signing company rejects corruption and
bribery within the meaning of the corresponding UN Convention2. It promotes
transparency, acting with integrity and responsible management and control
within the company in an appropriate manner.
3.2.3 The signing company pursues clean and
recognised business practices and fair competition. In competition, it is
focused on professional behavior and high-quality work. It maintains a cooperative
and trusting relationship with the supervisory authorities. It also adheres to
the requirements of the 'Guidelines for our association's work - information
for acting in compliance with antitrust law in the ZVEI.
3.3 Consumer interest
If consumer interests are affected, the signing
company complies with consumer protection regulations and appropriate sales,
marketing and information practices. Particularly vulnerable groups (e.g.
adolescent people) receive special attention.
3.4 Communication
The signing company communicates openly and in a
dialogue-oriented manner about the requirements of this CoC and its
implementation to employees, customers, suppliers and other interest and
stakeholder groups. All documentation is created in accordance with the law, is
not unfairly altered or destroyed and is stored appropriately. Company secrets
of and information about the partners are treated sensitively and
confidentially.
3.5 Human rights
The signing company is committed to the promotion
of human rights. It respects human rights in accordance with the UN Charter of
Human Rights3, in particular the following:
3.5.1 Privacy - Protection of privacy.
3.5.2 Health and safety - Protection of health and safety at work, in
particular ensuring a safe and healthy working environment to prevent accidents
and injuries
.
3.5.3 Harassment -
Protection of employees from corporal punishment
and physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse.
3.5.4 Freedom of expression and speech -
Protection and granting of the right to freedom of
expression and speech.
3.6 Work conditions
The signing company complies with the following
core labour standards of the ILO4:
3.6.1 Child labour -
The prohibition of child labour, meaning the
employment of individuals younger than 15 years, unless local legislation sets
higher age limits and unless exceptions are permitted.
3.6.2 Forced labour -
The prohibition of forced labour of any kind.
3.6.3 Pay -
The labour standards with regard to remuneration,
in particular with regard to the level of remuneration in accordance with the
applicable laws and regulations.
3.6.4 Labour rights -
Respect for the right of employees to freedom of
association, freedom of assembly and collective bargaining, insofar as this is
legally permissible and possible in the respective country.
3.6.5 Ban on discrimination -
Non-discriminatory treatment of all employees.
3.7 Working hours
The signing company complies with the labour
standards regarding the maximum permissible working hours.
3.8 Environment protection
The signing company fulfils the environmental
protection regulations and standards that apply to its respective operations
and acts in an environmentally conscious manner at all locations. It also uses
natural resources responsibly in accordance with the principles of the Rio
Declaration.
3.9 Civic engagement
The signing company contributes to the social and
economic development of the country and region in which it operates and
promotes corresponding voluntary activities by its employees.
4. Implementation and execution
The signing company undertakes all appropriate and reasonable efforts to continuously implement and apply the principles and values described in this CoC. Contract partners should be informed of the key measures on request and in the context of reciprocity so that it is clear how compliance is ensured in principle. There is no entitlement to the disclosure of trade and business secrets, competition-related information or other information worthy of protection.
1 CSR = Corporate Social Responsibility
4 ILO = International Labour Organisation
5 ILO convention no. 138 of 1973 and ILO convention no. 182 of 1999
6 ILO convention no. 29 of 1930 and ILO convention no. 105 of 1957
7 ILO convention no. 100 of 1951
8 ILO convention no. 87 of 1948 and ILO convention no. 98 of 1949
9 ILO convention no. 111 of 1958
10 The 27 principles of the "Rio Declaration on Environment and Development" of 1992 as a result of the conference of the United Nations about the environment and development in Rio de Janeiro
