Kindness [Respect for human rights]
The Sumitomo Rubber Group prohibits any form of forced labor as well as child labor, namely, the employment of children below the legal working age, in all countries and regions in which it operates.
We also uphold labor-related laws enforced in each country where we do business while tolerating no labor practices in violation of such laws. To prevent child labor, we also take a thoroughgoing approach to the confirmation of candidates’ legal status at the time of hiring. Moreover, we sign employment contracts with all employees in order to prevent forced labor. As such, we will thoroughly ensure that every offer of employment is based on a mutual agreement between the Company and the candidate regarding applicable working conditions.
The Sumitomo Rubber Group observes laws and regulations enforced in each country in which it operates while respecting the freedom of association and collective bargaining rights of all members of its workforce. Therefore, we will develop an environment in which all Group employees are free to choose, without coercion, whether they take part in collective bargaining or whether they designate the labor union or other third parties as their representatives in such bargaining.
The Sumitomo Rubber Group will comply with regulations regarding working hours, minimum wages and other matters stipulated under labor-related laws enforced in each country in which it engages in business operations.
With regard to working hours, we will strive to reduce excessive working hours and overtime hours by, for example, facilitating the utilization of various leave programs.
As for wages, we will not only guarantee minimum wages but also pay wages that are higher than minimum levels stipulated by laws or industry standards.
The Sumitomo Rubber Group has distributed its Procurement Guidelines to suppliers. These guidelines feature our Code of Conduct, which includes principles related to respect for human rights. We also work with suppliers to ensure that our guidelines are fully understood and tangibly practiced by their own suppliers.
Supply Chain ManagementSumitomo Rubber Industries has made the Basic Perspective on Consideration for Human Rights a part of its Human Rights Policy. In 2021, we provided all officers and managerial employees with training focused on instilling literacy regarding the LGBTQ. In addition, the training refreshed the recognition of the above Basic Perspective among employees and deepened their understanding of it. We have also created web-based educational content, which comprises a total of five consecutive sessions addressing human rights-related issues, including challenges members of the LGBTQ are facing. This content is now posted on the in-house bulletin and available to all employees.
In 2022, we implemented learning sessions aimed at securing employee understanding of the Basic Perspective on Consideration for Human Rights, which now constitutes an integral part of our business operations. These sessions were held in conjunction with the revision of our Code of Conduct, targeting all Group employees. To address human rights-related issues, we are currently engaged in the initiatives listed below.
The Sumitomo Rubber Group is striving to raise employee awareness regarding workplace bullying and harassment, as part of efforts to create an environment free of human rights violations or harassment and ensure that all employees can work vibrantly. To this end, we have designated October as “Legal and Corporate Ethics Compliance Month,” in which we undertake a variety of activities to secure strict compliance.
Furthermore, we implement grade-specific training programs focused on addressing topics regarding sexual harassment and power harassment to help employees develop their awareness. We are also utilizing e-learning programs. In these ways, we strive to ensure that none of our employees suffer from human rights violations. In particular, programs targeting managerial employees are designed to drill down on actual instances of bullying and harassment so that they can be well-versed in these issues.