29.10.2002
GM Europe agrees on principles of social responsibility

GM Europe has signed an agreement together with its European Employee Forum on the principles of social responsibility. It is aimed at integrating economic, ecopolitical and social goals both into long-term strategic planning and everyday decisions.

The agreement also supports leveraging GM's European network of people who have the vision, values and capabilities to compete in the marketplace, preserve the environment and strengthen the communities wherever the company is doing business.

Today's agreement is in line with General Motors Corporation's endorsement of the "Global Sullivan Principles" throughout the entire company in May 1999. These principles were established by Reverend Leon H. Sullivan, a former Board member of GM. Until today, more than 200 companies across all industries and from around the world have committed to them.

Commenting on the agreement, Cheri L. Alexander, GM Europe Vice President Personnel, said: "An essential aspect of the corporate culture at GME is respectful co-operation. Our basic principles include equality of opportunity, tolerance and fairness in our dealings with each other. We have practiced these principles for many years and will continue to practice them in the future. With the agreement signed today, we want to demonstrate just how important that subject is to us."

"The fact that a company as important as GM Europe commits to adhering to fundamental social rights internally and vis-à-vis its business partners is a milestone on the way to socially structured globalization. This will be exemplary for numerous other companies," emphasized Klaus Franz, Chairman of GME's European Employee Forum, and Thomas Klebe, representative of the European Metalworkers Association and the German Metalworkers Union.