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Global Corporate Accountability
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Filed with: Alcoa, Delphi, Visteon
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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.
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