Respect for Human Rights
Akebono Brake Group Human Rights Policy
The Akebono Brake Group's (hereinafter 'Akebono') Corporate Mission is as follows: Through "Friction and Vibration, their Control and Analysis," we are determined to protect, grow and support every individual life. Based on this Corporate Mission, we believe that in addition to creating new value through Monozukuri (or manufacturing excellence), and striving to further increase our corporate value, as a manufacturer of critical safety components it is essential to maintain and promote good relations with all of our stakeholders including our customers, suppliers, stockholders, employees and surrounding communities, while ensuring sustainable and continuous growth. In addition, Akebono has established a Sustainability Policy stipulating that the Akebono Group positions sustainability as the foundation of management, and we will contribute to the development of a sustainable society based on our Corporate Mission.
Akebono recognizes that in order to contribute to the development of a sustainable society, our business activities may impact human rights. We believe it is essential to promote respect towards human rights, and the Akebono Brake Group Human Rights Policy shall be defined as follows to ensure that these rights are promoted and respected.
Commitment
Based on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Akebono Brake Group Human Rights Policy (hereinafter 'this policy') ensures compliance with international human rights obligations together with the laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate, and shall be set as the guideline regarding human rights within Akebono's business activities. Where any difference pertains between national and international standards for human rights, we will adopt the higher standard of the two. If there is conflict between standards, then we will strive to the utmost to respect internationally recognized human rights to the greatest extent possible.
Akebono seeks to uphold the human rights of all and shall address any human rights infringements that may arise from our business activities. We expect our business partners and other parties to also respect and not infringe upon human rights. However, if they do, then we will respond appropriately based on this policy.
Scope of Responsibility
This policy applies to all executives and employees (including contract and part-time employees as well as temporary employees) at Akebono. We also expect all of our business partners and other related parties to understand and support this policy and to work with us to ensure that their business activities comply with it.
Human Rights Due Diligence
In order to fulfill the responsibility to respect human rights, we will establish a Human Rights Due Diligence System and continuously implement it to identify, prevent and mitigate any adverse impact on human rights.
Remedy
If it is certain that human rights have been adversely affected, or that we have contributed thereto, corrective measures shall be implemented immediately. In addition, we shall strive to ensure that no disadvantages are caused to those who report such adverse impact.
Education and Training
To promote understanding towards this policy, and to ensure it is incorporated with the necessary processes, we shall provide appropriate education and training to all our executives and employees.
Monitoring and Disclosure
We will continuously monitor compliance with this policy and will disclose information regarding our actions for respecting human rights in accordance with the appropriate publicizing methods.
Consultation with Stakeholders
Akebono shall utilize external expertise and engage in dialogue and consultation with relevant stakeholders to promote respect for human rights.
This policy was approved by the Board of Directors of Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd. on April 12, 2023.
Yasuhiro Miyaji
President & CEO
Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.
Major Human Rights Initiatives
The Akebono Brake Group proactively addresses the following items related to human rights primarily by paying diligent attention to the supply chain structure and the various social issues faced by the industry.
- Elimination of all forms of discrimination or harassment
We shall not tolerate discrimination, always strive to maintain healthy working environments, and uphold and protect the human rights of each employee.- We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of place of birth, sex or gender, nationality, race, ethnicity, ideology, religion, sexual orientation, age, disabilities, interests, or educational background.
- We do not tolerate any forms of harassment
- Prohibition of child labor
Child labor is strictly prohibited. Employment of minors must be in accordance with the International Labor Organization's Conventions. - Freedom from slavery and forced labor
Employees shall be employed on a voluntary basis and protected from forced or unlawful labor. Employees are free to leave their jobs on their own accord. - Right to receive a fair and living wage in full
We shall comply with relevant laws and regulations for each region regarding minimum wage, overtime work, payroll deductions, and piece wages. - Right to reasonable and non-excessive working hours
We shall comply with relevant laws and regulations for each region regarding working hours, vacation time, and paid holidays. - Safe and healthy working environment
We shall commit to maintaining a comfortable working environment by ensuring the safety and the health of employees in the workplace.
We shall observe relevant laws and regulations for occupational safety and health. - Communication and cooperation with employees
We shall maintain an open line of communication with employees.
Outline of Akebono Human Rights Initiatives
Initiatives
Overall Responsibility
The officer in charge of Corporate Planning and Controlling oversees the responsibility for initiatives related to respecting human rights, including establishing a framework for managing the Akebono Human Rights Policy, as well as proposing management measures.
Due Diligence
Human Rights Risk Assessment
The Risk Management Committee shall confirm risk awareness at each division and group company, after which it shall assess the severity and priority of each risk. In confirming risk awareness, information shall be gathered based on laws and regulations of each country involved in the supply chain, concerns arising from certain characteristics of the industry, results of employee surveys and hearings, and communications with customers and suppliers.
The Akebono Brake Group investigates the following items as a part of its due diligence on human rights.
| (1) Right to receive a fair and living wage in full | (12) Right to privacy |
| (2) Right to reasonable and non-excessive working hours | (13) Right of access to information |
| (3) Safe and healthy working environment | (14) Elimination of all forms of discrimination or harassment |
| (4) Right to social security | (15) Right to gender equality |
| (5) Elimination of all harassment in any form | (16) Freedom of expression |
| (6) Freedom from slavery and forced labor | (17) Rights of indigenous and local peoples |
| (7) Freedom of movement and residence | (18) Human rights related to the environment and climate change |
| (8) Freedom of assembly and association | (19) Intellectual property rights (infringement by individuals and corporate entities) |
| (9) Rights of migrant and foreign national workers | (20) Impact of bribery and corruption on human rights |
| (10) Prohibition of child labor | (21) Human rights issues in the supply chain |
| (11) Human rights issues related to technology and AI | (22) Right to an effective remedy |
Prevention and Mitigation
Regarding items that the Risk Management Committee deems to have potential to violate human rights and that require prevention or mitigation, measures shall be taken by the related parties.
Effectiveness Assessment
Effectiveness shall be assessed throughout the year by the Internal Controls Committee and reported to the board of directors.
Information Disclosure
Information regarding human rights initiatives shall be disclosed either on the Akebono Brake corporate website or using other appropriate methods.
Remedy
An internal reporting function and an external hotline to allow anonymous reporting shall be established for corrective and remedy functions. Information on such reports shall immediately be shared with the members of the board of directors, and surveys and correctives measures shall be taken in order to solve issues. Furthermore, utmost consideration shall be given to ensure no disadvantage is brought on to those reporting issues.
Training and Education
The Compliance Committee shall carry out educational activities and group-wide training. Furthermore, from a compliance perspective, annual training sessions shall be held for executive officers, including external officers.
Information Disclosure
Information regarding human rights initiatives shall be disclosed either on the Akebono Brake corporate website or using other appropriate methods.
