Verizon Updates Supplier Rules to Clarify Stand on Human Rights

We’ve recently updated the Verizon Supplier Code of Conduct and Human Rights Statement to clarify our expectations of how our suppliers do business. We have clarified rules on labor standards and added new language regarding the responsible acquisition of Conflict Minerals — rare metals from war-torn areas of Africa used in the manufacturing of electronic devices.

“Even though we don’t manufacture electronics, we recognize that our policies can have a worldwide impact,” said Kathy Brown, senior vice president of Corporate Citizenship and International Relations. “Companies are increasingly held to account for the actions of its suppliers as well as its employees. We have to do everything we can to ensure our partners act responsibly.”

Changes include:

Revised Supplier Code of Conduct:

• Explicitly prohibits the use of child labor, forced labor, and discrimination.
   
• Explicitly protects the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, pursuant to local laws.
   
• Adds a section on Conflict Minerals: Suppliers are expected to ensure that products supplied to Verizon do not contain metals derived from tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold  that finance or benefit armed groups in or near the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
   
• Adds language manifesting Verizon’s intent to engage with suppliers on compliance and enforcement.

Minor updates to our Human Rights Statement:

• Adds references to the Verizon Credo and Shared Success strategy.
   
• Aligns text with revised Supplier Code of Conduct and other human rights-related policies and processes.
   
• Simplifies listing of related policies and programs.