In our Code of Ethics, we commit to the principles of the Human Rights Charter of the United Nations and to the core labour standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO). We also support the principles of the United Nations Global Compact.
As a responsible employer, we focus on the following:
- Occupational health and safety
- Ban on child labour and special protection for employees under 18 years of age
- Ban on forced labour
- Prevention of discrimination and harassment
- Equal opportunities and equality
- Appropriate remuneration
- Compliance with guidelines on working hours
- Right to privacy
- Freedom of assembly and association
Linde employees work in countries with varying requirements governing hours of work per week. These standards are based on national regulations and collective wage agreements. As a rule, contracts for full-time employees stipulate a maximum working week of 48 hours worldwide.
Additional core Group guidelines, such as our procurement guidelines and code for suppliers, also take international standards into account.
Verifying compliance with standards
Compliance with social standards is reviewed as part of a multi-layered process:
Worldwide survey of systems for fair working conditions: This regular internal survey covers all regions in which Linde is active. It aims to check whether our companies have introduced processes that ensure social standards.
Integrity Line: Employees who wish to report any suspected violations of our Code of Ethics or other Group guidelines can approach their direct line managers or department heads. They can also contact a representative from the Internal Audit, Human Resources or Legal & Compliance departments. Another key pillar of our compliance system is a global reporting system that enables employees or external stakeholders to report suspected violations – anonymously, if desired.
Cooperation with employee representatives: Consultations are held on our employees’ working conditions.
Stakeholder dialogue: We discuss issues regarding labour and social standards and human rights via sustainability networks or in direct consultation with stakeholders.