Basic principles of social responsibility at Bosch, 2004
Preamble
Combining the pursuit of economic objectives with consideration for social and environmental factors is a priority at Bosch. We accept that our actions must accord with the interests of society. Above all else, we place our products and services in the interests of the safety of people, the economic use of resources, and environmental sustainability.
In the following declaration, the Board of Management of Robert Bosch GmbH and the associate representatives affirm their commitment to common principles of social responsibility. The principles described in the following take their lead from the basic labor standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO).
1.Human rights
We respect and support compliance with internationally recognized human rights, in particular as regards those of our associates and business partners.
2.Equal opportunities
We uphold and affirm equal opportunity among our associates, regardless of the color of their skin, race, gender, age, nationality, social origin, handicap, or sexual preference. We respect the political and religious convictions of our associates as long as they are based on democratic principles and tolerate those of different persuasions.
3.Integration of handicapped people
In our view, handicapped people possess equal rights as members of society and business life. Encouraging them, integrating them into the enterprise, and working with them in an atmosphere of cooperation are pivotal elements of our corporate culture.
4.Free choice of jobs
We reject forced labor of any kind and respect the principle of freely chosen employment.
5.Rights of children
We condemn child labor and respect the rights of children. All enterprises in the Bosch Group will adhere to the stipulations of ILO Convention no. 138 and no. 182.
6.Relations with associate representatives and their institutions
We recognize the fundamental right of all associates to form trade unions and to join these trade unions of their own free will. Associates will neither receive undue advantage nor suffer any disadvantage as a result of their membership in trade unions.
Within the framework of respective legal regulations - insofar as these are in harmony with the ILO Convention no. 98 - we respect the right to collective bargaining for the settlement of disputes pertaining to working conditions, and endeavor together with our partners to work together in a constructive manner marked by mutual confidence and respect.
7.Fair working conditions
Our remuneration and social benefits conform at the very least to national or local statutory standards, provisions, or respective agreements. We observe the provisions of ILO Convention no. 100 with respect to the principle of “equal remuneration for work of equal value”. We comply with national provisions regarding working hours and vacation.
Any associate may complain to their respective line manager or senior management if they believe they have been subject to unfair treatment or have suffered disadvantages with respect to working conditions. Associates will not suffer any disadvantage as a result of lodging such complaints.
8.Occupational health and safety
Safety at the workplace and the physical well-being of our associates has top priority. Bosch adheres at the very least to the relevant national standards for a safe, hygienic working environment and takes appropriate action within this framework to ensure its associates’ health and safety at their workplace in order to guarantee working conditions which are not harmful to health.
9.Qualification
We encourage our associates to train to acquire skills and knowledge and to expand and enhance their professional and specialist know-how.
10.Environment
We can look back on a very long tradition of commitment to preserving and protecting the environment. In addition, we contribute to the further improvement of living conditions at our locations. Our basic principles of environmental protection reflect our duty toward the environment and are the basis for many initiatives which are implemented throughout the company.
11. Implementation
Our aim is to implement these principles throughout the Bosch Group. These principles will be incorporated into the “Management System Manual for Quality, Environment, Safety, and Security in the Bosch Group”. Responsibility for their implementation lies with the senior management of the respective divisions, regional subsidiaries and company locations. Bosch will not work with any suppliers who have demonstrably failed to comply with basic ILO labor standards.
Following consultation with the respective associate representatives, associates will be informed through the proper channels about the content of the above principles.
Complaints regarding possible breaches of the above principles will be investigated; any action required will be discussed and implemented by the senior management and associate representatives responsible. The Executive Committee of the Europa Committee of the Bosch Group will be informed about any complaints that cannot be dealt with satisfactorily at a national level. If necessary, the implementation of this declaration will be discussed at meetings between the Board of Management and the Europa Committee.
Stuttgart, March 2, 2004
Robert Bosch GmbH (F1) (F13)
Europa Committee of the Bosch Group (Bauer)
International Metalworkers’ Federation
(for the IMF member unions represented in the Bosch Group)
