AIAG Project Advances Workplace Standards throughout Supply Chains
December 18, 2006 // Published as a news service by IHS
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The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), several leading automakers and their suppliers launched a collaborative, industry-wide project focused on advancing workplace standards throughout their supply chains.
AIAG is coordinating the project to promote decent working conditions for the millions of workers around the world involved in the production of automobiles. Elements of the project include:
- Child labor.
- Forced labor.
- Freedom of association.
- Harassment and discrimination.
- Health and safety.
- Wages and benefits.
- Working hours.
During the past year, project participants established a set of guiding statements to create a shared industry voice on issues of working conditions that cover the core elements included in company codes and policies, joint codes created by other industries and key international standards.
In September, the U.S. State Department awarded $185,000 to Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) to help support and advance this project. BSR is a non-profit group that works with companies to advance responsible business practices.
"AIAG's member companies are extremely sensitive to these issues and those participating in this project are taking the initiative to address them in a common approach," said J. Scot Sharland, AIAG executive director.
"Working through AIAG, these companies are jointly exploring ways to offer a series of country-specific training sessions in key sourcing markets that will focus on educating suppliers on local labor laws and shared expectations regarding working conditions."
Participants currently involved in this effort include:
- DaimlerChrysler.
- Exel.
- Ford Motor Company.
- General Motors.
- Honda of America Mfg. Inc.
- Johnson Controls.
- Yazaki.
Source: Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG).