GMs are obliged to strictly adhere to legal practices and to supervise their entities accordingly. They are also responsible for taking preventive action and to provide adequate training to their staff. Assuring adherence to human and labour rights is part of the annual GRI Compliance Confirmation every GM has to sign. Internal and legal audits are performed regularly at all Sika entities. Roughly 30 audits (including internal and legal audits) are performed annually, covering about 20% of Sika’s subsidiaries each year. These audits aim at reviewing the implementation of the following human and labour rights principles:
- non-discrimination (including the prohibition of sexual harassment)
- fair compensation
- prohibition of forced, slave, compulsory or child labour
- freedom of association (without need of prior approval) – unless prohibited by local laws
In 2020, 100% of Sika’s General Managers have confirmed – by means of their annual GRI Compliance Confirmation – that no violations of fundamental human or labour rights have been identified.