Respecting human rights across the value chain
Respecting human rights is integral to Sika’s Values and Principles. Sika considers respect and protection of human rights as a fundamental pillar of responsible business conduct worldwide. Sika acknowledges its responsibility to uphold human rights within its own operations and to implement adequate measures designed to prevent human right violations from occurring throughout its supply chain.
This commitment is further formalized in Sika’s Human Rights Policy, building on the Code of Conduct, the Supplier Code of Conduct, and other relevant guidelines and processes. The Human Rights Policy is based on internationally recognized human rights standards and informed by global guiding frameworks for responsible business conduct. These sources inform the company’s approach to human rights, including due diligence and stakeholder engagement processes.
Sika Human Rights Framework
Sika aligns its due diligence approach with international standards and guidelines to implement its Human Rights Policy, and it is committed to identify, prevent, mitigate, and remediate any human rights impacts associated with its activities and business relationships.
Human rights risk and impact assessment
Sika is committed to regularly reviewing and updating its assessment of actual and potential human rights impacts and related risks associated with its activities and business relationships. Through the impact assessment, the company can identify and prioritize human rights that pose the most severe negative impacts on rights holders (salient human rights) due to its activities or business relationships. These may arise where Sika either causes, contributes to, or is directly linked to adverse impacts.
Through regular risk screening, Sika also ensures that relevant human rights risks are integrated into the overall risk management approach. The following human rights have been identified as Sika’s priorities:
- Health and safety
- Non-discrimination and equal treatment
- Forced labor and modern slavery
- Child labor
- Fair working conditions
- Freedom of association and collective bargaining
- Environmental protection
Grievance mechanisms
Everyone may face challenges, tough choices, and ethical dilemmas in their daily work life, whether as a Sika employee, customer, business partner, or any other stakeholder. Sika promotes transparency and a culture where people feel comfortable speaking up, recognizing that it can take courage to do so. That's why several ways to report suspected misconduct or concerns are offered, including the Sika Trust Line.
ESG Confirmation
General Managers, together with their local management teams, are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding human rights and upholding labor standards within their respective entities and areas of oversight. As part of this commitment, Sika’s ESG Confirmation, coordinated by Corporate Compliance, requires all General Managers to annually attest that they have effectively implemented and communicated key principles to their workforce. These principles include the prohibition of forced, compulsory, or child labor; the assurance of freedom of association; the right to fair working hours and equitable compensation; and the promotion of non-discrimination and equal opportunity.