Monday 2023-11-20

Forced labour and modern slavery determine the everyday lives of 40 million people worldwide. 160 million children work, estimates the International Labour Organisation. "The protection of human rights cannot be taken for granted. As a global company, we have a responsibility to protect human rights at our own sites and in our supply chains. Also our customers demand due diligence. They are significantly increasing their requirements," says Michel Favre, CEO at HELLA. But politicians are also focusing on the topic and creating new legal requirements: in Germany, for example, with the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act or at EU level with the upcoming EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.

In addition to governments, international companies such as HELLA have a key role to play in protecting human rights. "Child labour, forced labour or torture can never be used by us or our suppliers. We must demand this clearly. A dignified life with decent pay for work, protection against discrimination and work with appropriate protective equipment - these are also human rights," explains Angelica Marcu, Human Resources Global Compliance and Diversity.

Case of forced labour: HELLA contributes to the remedy

Topics that also directly affect HELLA and its supply chain: This year, HELLA investigated and confirmed a case of forced labour, or more precisely debt bondage, in its own supply chain for printed circuit boards and, in close cooperation with the supplier concerned, successfully remedied the situation. Migrant workers at the supplier had to pay high fees for their employment. Accordingly, they had to take out loans and use a large proportion of their wages to pay off these loans. This put the migrant workers in a predicament: They could hardly quit their jobs as they had to pay off their loan. "We have openly discussed the grievance with the supplier and made it clear that HELLA does not accept this behaviour. We developed and implemented an action plan together with the supplier concerned and on an equal footing. The supplier reimburses the recruitment fees of the migrant workers retroactively. In addition, guidelines and processes have been introduced to prevent the payment of recruitment fees for new hires. This means that there is no longer any forced labour," explains Mary-Anne Krasemann, responsible for electronics purchasing at HELLA.

HELLA identifies risks, consistently follows up on reports of violations and, if necessary, takes corrective action, as the current case in the supply chain shows. "Issues related to human rights are dealt with by the Sustainability Council at HELLA. The council is also responsible as a human rights officer in accordance with the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and advises the Management Board," says Anke Sommermeyer, responsible for sustainability at HELLA. "Our principle is: Empowerment before retreat. Accordingly, we strive to improve the situation together with the people or suppliers affected, rather than terminating a business relationship and just shifting the problem."

Risk focus: Raw material extraction in the supply chain

A considerable risk in the automotive industry is the extraction of raw materials, where human rights violations occur around the world. In some cases, there is a lack of suitable protective equipment for miners working in tin or cobalt mining. Child labour occurs in gold mines in South America and Africa. Likewise, chemicals are sometimes used improperly in the extraction of raw materials, which subsequently pollute water and, accordingly, fields for food and habitats for animals. Corresponding violations are also repeatedly discussed in the press - currently linked to a German OEM. "It is important to us that we obtain raw materials from certified sources," adds Anke Sommermeyer. However, appropriate certification for compliance with environmental and social standards, for example by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), is not yet available everywhere and for every raw material, which is why the entire industry is gradually expanding its efforts.

New e-learning on human rights

"Every employee also has a responsibility to protect human rights. Every individual must help and, for instance, report violations of human rights, laws or our Code of Conduct - for example via our online whistleblower portal tellUS!. This is how we contribute to greater justice worldwide," emphasises Michel Favre. More information on the protection of human rights, their relevance for HELLA and the responsibility of each individual is provided in a new e-learning course that will soon be rolled out across HELLA.