Non-Discrimination
There were no substantiated claims of discrimination on grounds of race, color, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin in 2007.
Freedom of Association
The right to exercise freedom of association and collective bargaining is respected by PotashCorp at all of its operations. No operations have been identified where these rights are at risk.
Child Labor
PotashCorp does not use child labor at any of its operations and surveys operations annually to establish the age of the youngest employee at each. Employees in all jurisdictions are significantly older than the legal minimum ages in those jurisdictions. The youngest employee in the company worked in Aurora and was 18 years and four months old at the end of 2007. None of PotashCorp's operations have been identified as being at significant risk for incidents of child labor and/or young workers exposed to hazardous work.
Forced Labor
None of PotashCorp's operations have been identified as being at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor.
Indigenous Rights
There were no incidents of violations involving the rights of indigenous peoples in 2007.
Social Policies
PotashCorp's approach to community and broader social issues is shaped by two considerations. First, the Code stresses that the company will operate under the very highest standards of business conduct and that it must adhere to clear policies and practices against bribery and corruption, monopoly practices and undue political influence. Second, PotashCorp believes companies have a role in their communities beyond maintaining the quality of their products and the price of their stock. Therefore, one measure of the company's success is the economic activity it generates in the communities where it operates.
PotashCorp's specific social policy commitments include:
Competition and Pricing: The Code states that PotashCorp will always compete vigorously and independently in conducting its business. At all times it must maintain independence of judgment and action in producing, pricing and selling its products. It must never contravene antitrust or competition laws in any of the jurisdictions where it does business.
Bribery and Corruption: The Code makes it clear that PotashCorp will never offer, pay, solicit or accept bribes in any form, directly or indirectly. Employees must reject any demand for or offer of any kind of bribe, and report it immediately to management. The Code also provides guidance on giving or accepting gifts and entertainment. It stresses that business partners may not act on the company's behalf to contravene these commitments.
During the past year, the company provided broad-based training in business ethics, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, potential whistleblower claims, record retention policies and the Code.
Public Policy Involvement: Given its significant role in the business of modern agriculture, it is important for PotashCorp to participate in business discussions and public policy debates. The company supports membership in organizations that aim to maintain a sound business environment, such as trade associations. Through active trade association memberships, public affairs activities and political lobbying, PotashCorp takes a leadership role in many of these discussions.
Communities: The Code commits the company to support the communities where its employees live, and to work through local programs and initiatives that help generate local economic activity.