Contact Us
Donate
Employment
Calendar
Members


<< Back to Proxy Book

Global Corporate Accountability

 

 
Filed with: Alcoa, Delphi, Visteon
Global Set of Corporate Standards

 

Whereas, Delphi Automotive Systems, as a global corporation, faces complex issues which also affect our interests as shareholders. The international context within which our company operates is becoming increasingly diverse in the new millennium.

A Millennium Poll on Corporate Social Responsibility interviewed over 25,000 citizens in 23 countries and found that two in three citizens want companies to go beyond their historical role of making a profit, paying taxes, employing people and obeying all laws; they want companies to contribute to broader societal goals as well. (Environics International Ltd., October 1999)

We believe Delphi needs to review its code of conduct in light of the evolving consensus of best practices, such as those found in the Principles for Global Corporate Responsibility: Bench Marks for Measuring Business Performance, developed by an international group of religious investors.

Delphi operates in 37 countries worldwide and is challenged by important concerns arising from diverse cultures and political and economic contexts. These concerns require management to address issues that include human rights, workers' right to organize and bargain collectively, non-discrimination in the workplace and sustainable community development. Our company should find ways to respond effectively to workers' concerns in a timely manner and to eliminate the use of child labor, forced labor, bribery and harmful environmental practices.

As our company proceeds as an independent company, it should be in a position to assure shareholders that its employees are treated fairly and paid a sustainable living wage wherever they work in the global economy. One important element of ensuring compliance is the utilization of independent monitors composed of respected local human rights, religious and other non-governmental organizations that know the local culture. A number of companies are developing code enforcement mechanisms that include independent monitoring.

Improving the quality of life for employees and their communities can lead to increased productivity and enhance the bottom line for the company.

RESOLVED, the shareholders request that the Board of Directors review and amend, if necessary, its code for its international operations and report a summary of this review to shareholders by October 2003.

Supporting Statement

We recommend the review include the following areas:

1. A description of policies which are designed to protect human rights-civil, political, social, cultural and economic-consistent with respect for human dignity and the International Labor Organization's core standards.
2. A report of efforts to ensure that the company does not employ children under the age of fifteen, or younger than the age of completing compulsory education in the country of manufacture where such age is higher than fifteen.
3. A report of company policies ensuring that there is no use of forced labor, including prison labor, indentured or bonded labor.
4. Establishment of consistent standards for workers' health and safety practices for handling hazardous wastes and protection of the environment, as well as promoting a fair and dignified quality of life for workers and their communities.

We believe a company poised to compete in the 21st Century needs comprehensive global standards to guide its decisions.


 


<< Back to Proxy Book