The ZVEI (German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association) represents the interests of the German electrical and digital industry in relation to politics, business, and society.
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ICT Suedwerk GmbH acknowledges its social responsibility and is committed to complying with the ZVEI Code of Conduct.
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Code of Conduct ICT Suedwerk (PDF)
The ZVEI Code of Conduct reflects the shared value base of the ZVEI. It is aligned with internationally established standards and covers, among others, the following topics:
- Compliance with legal requirements and regulations
- Avoidance and prevention of conflicts of interest
- Rejection and prohibition of any form of bribery and corruption
- Fair competition
- Prevention of money laundering
- Equal treatment and non-discrimination
- Respect for and compliance with human and labour rights
- Protection of personal rights and the dignity of every individual
- Occupational health and safety
ZVEI-VDMA Code of Conduct
Preamble
The ZVEI – German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association and its member companies recognise their societal responsibility in the context of their entrepreneurial activities worldwide (commonly referred to as ‘CSR’). This “ZVEI Code of Conduct on Corporate Social Responsibility” (hereinafter “CoC”) sets out, as an industry guidance document, what this means in particular with regard to working conditions, social and environmental compatibility as well as transparency, trustworthy cooperation and dialogue. The contents of this CoC, which were developed and coordinated by ZVEI together with member companies, reflect the common value base of ZVEI as defined in its Vision and Mission, and are especially anchored in its commitment to the Social Market Economy. The application of this CoC is recommended by ZVEI to the member companies. It is conceived as a voluntary commitment that may be signed by the member companies. By providing this CoC, ZVEI supports them in responding to the different framework conditions in a global market and in meeting the challenges and societal expectations that arise from the increasingly networked cooperation in value chains.
1. Fundamental understanding of socially responsible corporate governance
This CoC is based on a shared fundamental understanding of socially responsible corporate governance. This means for the undersigning company that it takes responsibility by considering the consequences of its business decisions and actions from an economic, technological as well as social and ecological perspective, and seeks to achieve an appropriate balance of interests. Within the scope of its respective possibilities and areas of action, the undersigning company voluntarily contributes to the welfare and sustainable development of the global society at the locations where it operates. It is guided by universally valid ethical values and principles, in particular integrity and honesty, and respect for human dignity.
2. Scope
2.1 This CoC applies to all locations and business units of the undersigning company worldwide.
2.2 The undersigning company undertakes, within the scope of its respective possibilities and areas of action, to promote the observance of the contents of this CoC also by its suppliers and in the further value chain.
3. Key principles of socially responsible corporate governance
The undersigning company actively endeavours to ensure that the following values and principles are observed and complied with in a sustainable manner.
3.1 Compliance with legislation
The undersigning company complies with the applicable laws and other statutory provisions of the countries in which it operates. In countries with weak institutional frameworks it carefully examines which sound business practices from its home country should be applied to support responsible corporate governance.
3.2 Integrity and organisational governance
3.2.1 The undersigning company bases its actions on universally valid ethical values and principles, in particular integrity, honesty, respect for human dignity, openness and non-discrimination of religion, belief, gender and ethnicity.
3.2.2 The undersigning company rejects corruption and bribery in accordance with the relevant UN Convention. It promotes, by appropriate means, transparency, upright conduct and responsible leadership and control in the company.
3.2.3 The undersigning company pursues sound and recognised business practices and fair competition. In competition it adheres to professional behaviour and quality-appropriate work. It maintains a cooperative and trusting relationship with supervisory authorities. It also observes the requirements of the “Guideline for our Association Work – Note on Cartel Law-Compliant Conduct in ZVEI”.
3.3 Consumer interests:
Insofar as consumer interests are affected, the undersigning company adheres to consumer-protection regulations as well as to appropriate distribution, marketing and information practices. Especially vulnerable groups (e.g. youth protection) receive special attention.
3.4 Communication
The undersigning company communicates openly and in a dialogue-oriented manner about the requirements of this CoC and about its implementation towards employees, customers, suppliers and other stakeholder groups. All documents and records are prepared in accordance with duty, not unfairly altered or destroyed, and properly retained. Business secrets and partner business information are treated sensitively and confidentially.
3.5 Human Rights
The undersigning company commits to promoting human rights. It respects human rights in accordance with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in particular including the following:
3.5.1 Privacy
Protection of privacy.
3.5.2 Health and Safety
Preservation of health and occupational safety, in particular by ensuring a safe and health-promoting working environment to avoid accidents and injuries.
3.5.3 Harassment
Protection of employees against corporal punishment and against physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse.
3.5.4 Freedom of Opinion
Protection and provision of the right to freedom of opinion and free expression.
3.6 Working Conditions
The undersigning company adheres to the following core labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO):
3.6.1 Child Labour
The prohibition of child labour, i.e., employment of persons under 15 years of age, unless local legislation sets a higher age limit and unless no exceptions are permitted.
3.6.2 Forced Labour
The prohibition of forced labour of any kind.
3.6.3 Remuneration
Labour standards regarding remuneration, in particular with regard to pay levels in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
3.6.4 Workers’ Rights
Respect for the rights of workers to freedom of association, to assembly and to collective bargaining, as far as legally permissible and feasible in the respective country.
3.6.5 Non-discrimination
Non-discriminatory treatment of all employees.
3.7 Working Hours
The undersigning company observes the labour standards concerning the maximum permissible working hours.
3.8 Environmental Protection
The undersigning company fulfils the provisions and standards for environmental protection applicable to its respective operations, and acts in an environmentally conscious manner at all its locations. Furthermore, it uses natural resources responsibly in accordance with the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.
3.9 Civic Engagement
The undersigning company contributes to the social and economic development of the country and region in which it operates and promotes corresponding voluntary activities of its employees.
4. Implementation and Enforcement
The undersigning company will undertake all appropriate and reasonable efforts to continuously implement and apply the principles and values described in this CoC. Contractual partners shall, upon request and within the framework of reciprocity, be provided with reporting on the essential measures, so that the compliance with the obligations can fundamentally be verified. There is no entitlement to the disclosure of operational or business secrets, or competition-related or otherwise protected information.
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