Human Rights
We believe that consideration for human rights is an important management issue in the context of further global business development. We support international norms and are strengthening promotion of the protection of and respect for human rights. Moreover, we respect fundamental human rights based on the laws and regulations of each country and region.
ULVAC Human Rights Policy
ULVAC Group (hereinafter referred to as "ULVAC"), which consists of ULVAC, Inc. and its subsidiaries, has established the following policies to ensure that human rights are respected in all aspects of our business activities. These policies apply to all ULVAC employees (including contract workers and part-timers) and agency workers (hereafter, "employees"), as well as to business partners in the supply chain of ULVAC and any customers who may be affected by the safety of products and services manufactured and provided by ULVAC.
Supported Standards
We respect the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights as well as the international norms and standards set forth in the International Bill of Human Rights (Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenants on Human Rights) and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. In addition, we respect human rights in accordance with the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact and other guidelines of the international community and global industry.
Respecting Human Rights in All of Our Business Activities
ULVAC respects human rights in all aspects of our business activities. We will take appropriate measures to correct any infringement of human rights that may occur through our business activities, including through the use of our products and services. In addition, we will comply with the human rights and labor laws and regulations of each country we do business in, ensure safety and security, and work to prevent human rights violations.
Human Rights Due Diligence
We will create and continuously implement a human rights due diligence system to identify, prevent, mitigate, and avoid negative impacts on human rights.
Remedies and Corrections
We will establish a system (a mechanism for filing grievances) through which any infringement on human rights caused by or associated with our business activities can be reported. If we are made aware of a violation of human rights through this system, we will promptly investigate and take appropriate measures to remedy and correct the situation after fully confirming the facts.
Education
All ULVAC executives and employees will receive required training as appropriate.
Communication
We will communicate this information to all employees, business partners, and other relevant stakeholders, including customers.
We request that our business partners not only comply with the laws and regulations of the countries and regions in which they operate, but also comply with "Request to Our Business Partners". Information regarding our efforts to respect human rights will be disclosed in the ULVAC VALUE REPORT as well as other appropriate means of communication.
Date created: June 21, 2022
ULVAC, Inc.
President and CEO Setsuo Iwashita
Key Human Rights Issues *
- Prohibition of Discrimination/Harassment
ULVAC does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, skin color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, political party, union membership, military service, protected genetic information, marital status, or on any other basis. Inhumane treatment, including any form of harassment will not be tolerated. We ensure equal opportunities and fairness in hiring, placement, training, compensation, and promotion.
- Employment Autonomy
No form of child labor, forced labor, debt labor, human trafficking, or prison labor will be tolerated. All work is voluntary, and we will ensure that employees are able to request termination of their employment in accordance with the standards set forth by the relevant laws and regulations of each country and region.
- Product Safety, Workplace Health and Safety, and Employee Health
We will take steps to ensure that ULVAC Group products and services do not endanger the lives or health of those who manufacture, provide, or use them, and we will comply with the laws and regulations concerning health and safety as established in the countries and regions where we operate. We will strive to manufacture and provide safe products and to maintain a safe, secure, and healthy work environment.
- Freedom of Association
We respect the right to freely form and join labor unions and to participate in collective bargaining and peaceful assembly. We will also create an environment in which workers have opportunities to engage in dialogue with management regarding working conditions and management practices without fear of discrimination, retaliation, intimidation, or harassment.
- Ensuring Appropriate Working Conditions
We respect the right of employees to live a healthy lifestyle, and we will comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding working hours and the use of breaks, holidays, and vacation time in the conduct of our business.
*Compliance with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, RBA Code of Conduct, etc.
Approach to Human Rights
ULVAC has formulated the "ULVAC Human Rights Policy" in accordance with UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, in response to recent changes in international awareness and challenges regarding human rights. Furthermore, we have established the "ULVAC Group Corporate Code of Ethics" as a standard for all officers and employees to adhere to, in order to ensure their work does not infringe upon human rights.
As a company that conducts business globally, ULVAC will, in accordance with this policy, promote business activities that respect human rights more than ever before, based on a clear and common understanding of how human rights should be respected in business activities.
ULVAC Group Corporate Code of Ethics (Excerpt)
1) Compliance with Laws and Regulations and Respect for International Norms of behavior
We uphold the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our business activities and comply with applicable laws and regulations. In light of the ULVAC Group's global business operations, we respect and comply with applicable international standards.
2) Respect for Privacy and Protection of Personal Information
We respect the privacy of every individual and treat personal information with the utmost care. We comply with applicable laws and regulations and handle personal information only to the extent strictly necessary for business purposes, ensuring that it is collected, recorded, used, and disposed of properly. Personal information is also safeguarded against loss, alteration, or leakage.
3) Respect for Human Rights
We recognize the inherent value of every individual and respect the human rights of all people involved in our business activities, including officers, employees, customers, suppliers, and residents of local communities. We comply with applicable laws and regulations and uphold international standards on business and human rights. In line with these standards, we strive to prevent human rights violations arising from our business activities. Should any adverse impacts on human rights occur, we will take appropriate measures to address them.
4) Non-Discrimination and Harassment-Free Workplace
We do not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, age, gender, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnic or national origin, disability status, pregnancy, religion, place of origin, social origin, partnership status, or any other grounds. Furthermore, we strictly prohibit all forms of harassment and do not engage in such behavior.
5) Respect for Workers' Rights
We respect the rights to freely form, join, or leave trade unions, bargain collectively, and engage in peaceful assembly. We ensure opportunities and an environment where employees and others can engage in dialogue with the company regarding working conditions and management practices without fear of discrimination, retaliation, intimidation, harassment, and similar conduct. In addition, we do not tolerate forced labor or child labor under any circumstances.
6) Safe and Healthy Workplace
We recognize that the safety of our officers, employees, and other personnel is our top priority in all business activities. We comply with applicable laws and regulations, meet customer requirements, operate our management systems appropriately, and maintain a safe and healthy workplace and working environment for all ULVAC Group employees. We remain prepared for emergencies, including disasters, and unite in such events to safeguard everyone's safety.
7) Promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
We respect the character and individuality of each person and mutually recognize the diverse values they bring. We strive to create a diverse, fair, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where all employees feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to reach their full potential.
Human Rights Initiatives
We respect the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights as well as the international norms and standards set forth in the International Bill of Human Rights (Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenants on Human Rights) and the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. We respect human rights in accordance with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and other guidelines of the international community and industry guidelines.
Reporting and Consultation Desk for Human Rights Issues
We have adopted a whistleblowing system that ensures independence.
The Compliance Committee will implement appropriate measures with adequate consideration for confidentiality, anonymity and protection of whistleblowers, and strive to promptly resolve issues and prevent their recurrence.
Freedom of Association
ULVAC has concluded labor agreements with labor unions and promised to sincerely work together with them to adhere to these agreements in order to establish and develop labor-management relations based on mutual faith and trust. Furthermore, we engage in close dialogue with labor unions on management plans and measures, in addition to labor conditions.
Supply Chain Initiatives
We endeavor to comply with the RBA Code of Conduct, which is a CSR promotion group focused on the electronics industry. In addition to implementing, evaluating and correcting self-evaluations and thoroughly managing labor hours at major production bases, we request business partners to work with us on these initiatives. We conducted questionnaire surveys mainly for major business partners and have incorporated the questionnaire items into the evaluation at the time of periodic renewal. Furthermore, we have established a policy on the handling of conflict minerals and conduct due diligence.
Due Diligence on Human Rights
We have incorporated international norms into the ULVAC Human Rights Policy and have established human rights due diligence processes according to the procedures corresponding to the international norms. We are making an effort to further strengthen relief mechanisms by recognizing, preventing, and addressing negative effects that may have on human rights through business activities.
Education
We educate all officers and employees about human rights and compliance so that they are well-informed and able to act appropriately.
Remedies and Corrections
ULVAC will establish a mechanism (complaint handling mechanism) to receive reports of negative human rights impacts caused by or involving ULVAC's business activities. Through this mechanism, upon recognizing human rights violations, ULVAC will promptly investigate, take appropriate measures after thorough fact-finding, and work toward remediation and corrective action. ULVAC employs an internal whistleblowing system with guaranteed independence. Reports can be made either under real name or anonymously.
The anonymity and privacy of whistleblowers are protected, and retaliation or harassment against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited. The Compliance Committee implements appropriate responses to reported cases, works toward prompt resolution, and strives to prevent recurrence.
Group's Issues with Significant Impact on Human Rights and Relations with Stakeholders
