GLOBAL COMMITMENTS

Commitments to global agreements in Veidekke

There are a number of national and international organisations, policies and declarations relating to the theme of social responsibility. Veidekke has chosen to enter into a global framework agreement with the Fellesforbundet, Norsk Arbeidsmannsforbund og IBTU (International Federation of Building and Wood Workers). The parties to the agreement have committed themselves to work continuously to make improvements in the areas of working environment, relationships (with employees in Veidekke), health and safety standards at work, as well as the external environment. Under the agreement Veidekke also commits itself to using its influence towards subcontractors and suppliers. The agreement requires Veidekke to actively adhere to several well-recognised international standards:

• ILO's declaration on the fundamental rights of workers. This means, among other things, specific requirements for freedom of association, right to collective bargaining - measures against discrimination, forced labor and child labor - working with health and safety and decent wage conditions.
• The OECD's guidelines for multi-national corporations. OECD prepared already in 1976 guidelines for multinational companies' activities, and has thus been a pioneering institution in terms of social responsibility in business. Veidekke's obligations are connected to contributing to sustainable development through economic, environmental and social progress.
• The UN's Human Rights, which among other things, means that no one shall be discriminated against because of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin in the Group.

Each of Veidekke's business unit leaders is responsible for ensuring fulfillment of the agreement.