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Thursday, December 20, 2012

Lilly to Pay $29.4 Million to End SEC Foreign Bribe Case

Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY) agreed to pay $29.4 million to settle U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission allegations that employees of subsidiaries gave cash and gifts to officials in China, Brazil, Russia and Poland to win millions of dollars in business. More on Bloomberg. Eli Lilly & Co. is a Global Compact participant since 2009/12/02. Eli Lilly was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2012 and 2011.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Truck company fined for safety violations after forklift accident

The state [of North Carolina] has fined Daimler Trucks for safety violations following a forklift accident last summer. The Labor Department cited Daimler for one alleged serious violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina with a total penalty of $2,750. More on wbtv.com Daimler (DAI:Xetra) (DAI:GR) was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2008 and LEAD contributor in 2012.

Monday, December 10, 2012

ThyssenKrupp Reshuffles Board After Losses, Corruption Case

ThyssenKrupp AG (TKA), Germany’s largest steelmaker, ousted three top executives in an effort to repair a boardroom tainted by corruption allegations and an ill-fated expansion in the Americas. More on Bloomberg. More about the corruption probe on The Local. ThyssenKrupp AG (TKA:Xetra) , (TKA.DE), (TKA:GR) is a Global Compact participant since 2011/11/04

HSBC to pay $1.9B in money laundering probe

HSBC, the British banking giant, will pay $1.9 billion to settle a money-laundering probe by federal and state authorities in the United States, a law enforcement official said Monday. The probe of the bank — Europe's largest by market value — has focused on the transfer of billions of dollars on behalf of nations like Iran, which are under international sanctions, and the transfer of money through the U.S. financial system from Mexican drug cartels. More on USA Today. HSBC is a Global Compact participant since 2000/11/27. HSBC (LSE:HSBA) was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011 and 2012.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Workers at IKEA Greece walk out over pay cuts and individual contracts

IKEA Greece has unilaterally decided to cut wages by up to 15% and demanded employees to sign individual employment contracts to replace their collective agreement. More on Uni Global Union website. The IKEA Group is a Global Compact participant since 2004/12/27. IKEA was a Gold contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2010 and 2009.

BP To Pay Massive Fine, More To Come

Crude oil juggernaut British Petroleum (BP) is still reeling from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill that made headlines in early 2010. Last week, the company agreed to accept criminal responsibility for the disaster that took the lives of 11 workers and “to pay $4.5 billion in fines and restitution, the biggest penalty ever levied by the U.S. Justice Department” writes Tom Fowler. More on Seeking Alpha British Petroleum plc (NYSE:BP)(LSE:BP) (BP) is a Global Compact participant and founding father since 2000/07/26.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Alcoa, Aluminium Bahrain Reach $85 Million Settlement Over Bribery Allegations

Alcoa has agreed to pay $85 million to settle allegations that the aluminum manufacturer and related companies paid millions in bribes that resulted in a Bahrain-controlled company overpaying for raw materials. Alcoa agreed to pay $85 million in cash to Aluminium Bahrain BSC, or Alba, without admitting liability. More on Law.com and on previous January 2012 blog. Alcoa is a Global Compact participant since 2009/09/23. Alcoa was a USD 10,000 contributor for the Global Compact Foundation in 2010.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

EBRD should not invest in Polish energy company suspected of corruption, say European NGOs

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is considering participating in a EUR 772 million loan for a subsidiary of major Polish energy group ENEA, whose management is currently being investigated by authorities because of alleged irregularities in management and misuse of public funds. More on CEE BankWatch ENEA S.A. is a Global Compact participant since 2011/06/03.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Randstad US, LP to Pay $60,000 to Settle EEOC Disability Bias Suit

A large nationwide employment referral and placement services company will pay $60,000 and furnish substantial injunctive relief to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today. More on the EEOC website. Randstad U.S. is a subsidiary of Randstad Holding, (RAND:EN Amsterdam) (AMS:RAND) (RAND.AS) a Global Compact participant since 2005/04/20.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Credit Suisse paid 18.9 million francs in compensation

Credit Suisse has paid 18.9 million swiss francs to the canton of Zurich (BVK) pension fund compensation to close an alleged corruption case through extrajudicial settlement. One of the main defendants is a former bank employee who allegedly manipulated share prices from a local canton between 1999 and 2003. More on Le Matin (French) Credit Suisse (CSGN:SIX) , (CS:New York) is a Global Compact participant since 2000/07/26 and thus considered as one of its Founding Fathers. The bank was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2010 and 2011.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Hindustan Zinc, Ambuja Ordered to Pay Clean-Energy Fines

Hindustan Zinc Ltd. among 16 other company was ordered to pay a fine for not complying with a government order asking company to purchase renewable energy quotas. More on Bloomberg. Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZ:Natl India) is a Global Compact participant since 2005/11/11.

Ex-Hewlett-Packard Managers Charged in Germany on Russia Bribery

Three former Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ) managers were charged in Germany in a corruption investigation over improper payments made to win a 35 million-euro ($45 million) sale of computers to Russia about nine years ago. More on Bloomberg. Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ) is a Global Compact participant since 2002/08/29. HP was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2009.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Suncor Energy Told To Step Up Toxic Spill Cleanup

Colorado health officials are ordering Suncor Energy to step up efforts to clean up contaminated groundwater moving off its refinery in Commerce City. The health department says current efforts are not working and a contaminated groundwater plume has changed direction, contaminating areas that previously had been clean. More on CBS Denver. Suncor Energy Inc. (SU:Toronto)(SU:NYSE) is a Global Compact participant since 2001/08/31. Suncor Energy was a gold contributor for the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2012 and 2011.

EPA Fines Talisman Energy For Fracking Violations

Tal­is­man Energy will pay more than $62,000 in penal­ties for vio­la­tions at 52 nat­ural gas wells and com­pres­sor sta­tions in Penn­syl­va­nia over the past three years. More on State Impact. Talisman Energy is a Global Compact participant since 2004/02/10. The company was a LEAD Contributor (USD $65,000 and up) in 2012, and a Gold Contributor in 2010, 2008.

Chile Court Ruling Has Potential Implications For Barrick Gold’s Mines

Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:ABX) might have another problem on its hands as far as the Pascua-Lama project is concerned. The Chilean Supreme Court struck down the planned 2,100-megawatt, $5 billion Castilla thermoelectric power plant project this week, citing environmental concerns. More on Trefis. Barrick Gold was a 2008 Contributor of the Foundation for the Global Compact.

Colville Tribes Head to Court Against Teck Resources on September 10

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation will get their day in court on September 10 against Teck Resources, a Canadian smelter that over the course of a century dumped slag into the Columbia River from its lead-and-zinc operations up in British Columbia. Read more on Indian Country Teck Resources (TCK) is a Global Compact participant since 2007/04/17. Teck Resources was a LEAD Contributor (USD $65,000 and up) Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2012, 2010.

Panamanians protest Canadian mining operations in rainforest areas

Panamanian farmers in the country's rainforest regions have teamed up with environmental activists to protest the impact of Canadian mining operations on the local environment, as well as halt the construction of what is slated to be one of the world's largest copper mines by Inmet Mining (TSX:IMN). More on mining.com Inmet Corporation is a Global Compact participant since 2008/11/03.

Scotiabank Manager Daniel Rogers Pleads Guilty to $216,000 Fraud; 2nd Bank Official Guilty in Week

Daniel Rogers, the manager in the bank’s centralized retail collection unit, on Wednesday became the second former Scotiabank manager in the span of a week to plead guilty to charges of bank fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. More on LoanSafe.org Scotiabank is a Global Compact participant since 2010/06/18.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Wash. fines BP $81,500 for safety violations

Washington state has fined BP more than $80,000 for safety violations at the oil giant's Cherry Point refinery in Whatcom County. The Department of Labor & Industries announced Thursday that it fined BP for six violations, including a "willful violation," of workplace safety. More on Bloomberg. British Petroleum plc (NYSE:BP)(LSE:BP) (BP) is a Global Compact participant and founding father since 2000/07/26. BP Plc was also a Gold Contributor of the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2012.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

EADS executives warned five years ago about questionable payments

Senior executive at EADS, the European aerospace and defence group that owns Airbus, were warned five years ago about questionable payments that are now part of an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office. The U.K. Serious Fraud Office said last week it is investigating possible bribes by a British subsidiary of EADS (EAD.PA), GPT Special Project Management Ltd. Read more on the Telegraph. You can find an older post here.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Former France Telecom CEO indicted over 35 suicides

Former France Telecom chief executive Didier Lombard has been indicted by a court in Paris and bailed over allegations that he led a corporate culture of bullying and harassment that resulted in the suicide of at least 30 employees. More on GIAOM. France Telecom (FTE:EN Paris) is a Founding Father of the Global Compact and participant since 2000/07/26.

Sodexho fined $81K for violations at W.Va. college

Federal officials said Thursday they intend to fine Sodexho Inc. $81,000 for health and safety violations that occurred when workers were removing asbestos earlier this year at Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi. More on Businessweek. Sodexo Inc, is a U.S. subsidiary of French giant Sodexo S.A.(SDXAY:OTC US),(SW:EN Paris), a Global Compact participant since 2003/03/06. Sodexo was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2010.

Tata Power’s Mundra project has violated social, eco norms: Report

Tata Power Ltd, which is setting up the 4,000-MW Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP) in Mundra, Gujarat, has been accused of violating social and environmental norms by an independent fact-finding team. The project has caused “massive damage to livelihood, marine life and the overall environment in the vicinity of the power plant,” says a report titled ‘The Real Cost of Power'. More on The Hindu Business Line. Tata Power Ltd (TPWR:Natl India) is a Global Compact participant since 2002/09/23.

Shell, BASF ordered to pay $500 mln in Brazil pollution case

A Brazilian judge has ordered oil giant Shell and chemical behemoth BASF to pay $500 million in compensation for hundreds of ex-workers suing for damages in a suspected plant contamination case, a judicial source said Monday. More on France 24. Read older post. Royal Dutch Shell plc is a founding fathers of the U.N. Global Compact since 2000/07/26. Shell (RDSA:LSE) was a 'Platinum Contributor' of the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2010. BASF -BASF AG (ADR)-, BAS:Xetra is also a Founding Father of the Global Compact since 2000.

Enbridge faces $3.7M fine for Michigan oil spill

Federal regulators proposed a $3.7 million civil penalty Monday against the Canadian owner of a pipeline that ruptured in 2010, dumping more than three billion litres of oil into a southwestern Michigan river. Read more on CBC. Read older post. Enbridge is a Global Compact participant since 2003/12/16. Enbridge was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

GlaxoSmithKline allegedly bribing Polish doctors

Prosecutors and the Polish Anti-Corruption Bureau are investigating reports that UK-based pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline allegedly bribed doctors in Poland to prescribe their drugs ahead of other manufacturers. Read more on Polskie Radio. GlaxoSmithKline is a Global Compact participant since 2007/08/10.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Pfizer Settles Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violation For China Business

U.S.-based Pfizer Inc. says it has resolved U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission matters related to certain improper payments in the operations of two of its subsidiaries outside the United States, which Pfizer voluntarily reported to the U.S. government beginning in 2004. Read more on China CSR. Read original SEC press release. Pfizer Inc. (PFE:New York) is a Global Compact participant since 2002/10/04. It was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2010.

Lonmin Mine Death Toll Reaches 34 As Police Kill Strikers

South African police killed 34 striking workers at Lonmin Plc (LMI)’s Marikana platinum-mining complex yesterday, the worst death toll in police action since the end of apartheid in 1994. At least 78 people were injured in the clashes, Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega told reporters in Marikana in North West province today. More on Bloomberg. Lonmin plc is a Global Compact participant since 2008/08/22. Lomin plc (LMI:London) was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Mexican regulators impose highest fine ever on HSBC for money-laundering

Mexico's National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) said it had imposed the fine against HSBC due to its “non-compliance with anti-money laundering systems and controls”. The fine is in the amount of $27.5m. More at Merco Press. Read the original statement (Spanish) HSBC is a Global Compact participant since 2000/11/27. HSBC (LSE:HSBA) was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011.

KPK Examines Alstom Director in Graft Case

JAKARTA (Indonesia Today) – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has expanded the investigation of Tarahan Steam Power Plan graft allegation. The antigraft commission summons Eko Sulianto, Development Director of PT Alstom Indonesia. More on Indonesia Today. Alstom (ALO:FP) is a Global Compact participant since 2008/03/18. It is a Member of the Working Group on the 10th Principle. Alstom was also a Gold contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

BP to settle spill-related gender bias case

BP and some of its contractors will pay $5.4 million to settle a federal investigation of allegations that women were denied jobs cleaning up after the 2010 oil spill because of their gender. More on Chron.com British Petroleum plc (NYSE:BP)(LSE:BP) (BP) is a Global Compact participant and founding father since 2000/07/26.

70,000 employees at Italy's Intesa Sanpaolo Group set to strike

More than 70,000 employees from Intesa Sanpaolo Group are ready to strike in Italy on Monday, July 2nd. The strike, the first since the 2007 merger, was announced on June 19th by Italian UNI Finance affiliated unions, after a confrontation with the company lasted about one month. Intesa Sanpaolo has announced that it will not respect the agreement reached with the unions on July 29th 2011, related to the Business Plan 2011-13, but it failed to introduce a new one. More on Uni Global Union website. Intesa Sanpaolo(ISP:BrsaItaliana) is a Global Compact participant since 2003/04/24.

Nestlé subsidiary facing fine after worker's death

A Nestlé subsidiary is facing fines of almost three quarters of a million dollars following the death of a worker at its Massachusetts production plant. More on Food Production Daily. Nestle is a Global Compact participant since 2001/02/20. Nestle was a Gold Contributor of the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2009 and 2010.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Mercedes could quit F1 over bribery scandal

Formula One’s high profile bribery scandal could cause German carmaker Mercedes to quit the sport. More on Yalla1.com Mercedes is a division of Daimler AG(DAI:Xetra), a Global Compact participant since 2000/07/26. Daimler was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2008.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Microsoft investigating report of child labor violations in China

An investigation released Tuesday by the non-profit National Labor Committee reported that Microsoft's hardware division has been contracting with a factory in China that recruits teenagers as young as 14 who work under abusive conditions in 15-hour daily shifts for as little as 52 cents an hour, after deductions for factory food. More on Business Journal. Microsoft Corp. is a Global Compact participant since 2006/11/08.

Black steel worker wins $25m damages after years of racist abuse by co-workers

A federal jury has awarded $25 million in damages to a U.S. steel plant employee who says his bosses at Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal failed to stop years of racial taunts and insults from co-workers. Read more: on Dailymail ArcelorMittal is a Global Compact participant since 2003/09/03. ArcelorMittal was a Gold Contributor for the Foundation of the Global Compact in 2012.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Siemens will pay for corrupt practices in Greece

German electronics company Siemens has agreed to pay about 270 million euro to the Greek state in order to settle a legal action over bribing Greek officials. More on Russia Today. Siemens (SIE:GR) is a Global Compact participant since 26-11-2003.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Ford, GM and BMW linked to illegal logging and slave labour in Brazil

Car makers source iron from Brazil that contributes to Amazon deforestation, says Greenpeace ahead of Rio+20. Ford, GM and BMW are sourcing material from Brazil that is driving illegal logging and slave labour, according to campaigners at Greenpeace. More on the Guardian. Read the Greenpeace Report "Driving Destruction in the Amazon". BMW (BMW:Xetra) is a Global Compact participant since 2001/07/25, while Ford (F:NYSE) since 2008/05/01.

Banana Plantation Workers Sue Dole, Dow & Chiquita for Exposing Them to DBCP – Cancer Causing Pesticide

Hundreds of Latin American plantation workers claimed in court that Dole Foods, Chiquita, Dow Chemicals and other multinational companies deliberately exposed them to dibromochloropropane (DBCP). DBCP is a pesticide known to cause cancer and sterility. DBCP is banned in the United States. More on Job Mouse Shell Oil,the United States-based subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, is also a defendant in the case. Dutch Shell plc is a founding fathers of the U.N. Global Compact since 2000/07/26. Shell (RDSA:LSE) was a 'Platinum Contributor' of the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2010. The Dow Chemical Company (DOW:NYSE) is a Global Compact participant since 2007/05/24. Dow was a Gold Contributor of the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2012, 2011, 2010,and a 'Platinum' contributor in 2009,

Deutsche Telekom CSR Report “Misleading”

The “Corporate Social Responsibility” report released last week by German telecoms giant Deutsche Telekom contains misleading corporate spin, according to the ITUC. The report claims that, on issues such as training, employment and offshoring, “Of course, we involve employee representatives when making all of these decisions.” More on the International Trade Union Confederation(ITUC) website. Deutsche Telekom is a Global Compact participant since 2000/07/26. The company's report is listed as "Global Compact Advanced" on the Global Compact website, based on unchecked self declarations from the company.

Criminal convictions for corruption and influence peddling in telecommunications contracts in Algeria [ZTE Corporation - Huawei Technologies ]

On 6 June 2012, three Chinese nationals, employees of ZTE Algérie et Huawei Algérie, subsidiaries of the Chinese telecommunications companies ZTE and Huawei, were convicted of influence trafficking by Judge Saloua Derbouchi in the Algerian court. The men, Xiao Chunfa of Huawei and Chen Zhibao and Dong Tao of ZTE, were sentenced in absentia to ten years in prison, and fined approximately USD 65,000. More on Trace International. Both ZTE (763:Hong Kong) Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. since 2009/02/17 and 2004/11/09 respectively.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Bombardier denies reports of wrongdoing in South African contract win

Bombardier Transportation confirmed that it paid a Tunisian businessman to act as an intermediary as it worked to secure a contract in South Africa, a process it says is common place in unfamiliar countries, but denies reports of wrongdoing. More on Yahoo News. More on the Mail&Guardian. Bombardier Inc.(TSX:BBD.B) is a Global Compact participant since 2007/03/17. Bombardier Inc. was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2012 and 2011.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Vale charged in fatal Ontario mine tragedy

Health and safety charges have been laid against a mining company and one of its supervisors in the deaths of two Sudbury, Ont., miners, provincial Labour Minister Matt Blajer announced in a news release Thursday. Both workers were killed when a torrent of wet mud and ore flooded the tunnel where they were working at Vale's Stobie Mine in Sudbury on June 8, 2011. More on CBC News. Official corporate info on Vale's Sudbury operations. Vale (VALE5:BM&FBOVESPA) is a Global Compact participant since 2007/09/12 Vale was a USD 20,000-100,000 contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2009.

Chile’s Native Communities Find Ally in Supreme Court

On Apr. 27, a Supreme Court in Chile upheld an earlier decision by an appeals court, which had cancelled the environmental permit granted to the Canadian mining giant Goldcorp for its El Morro gold and copper mine in the northern Chilean region of Atacama. The company reported that it had brought all work at El Morro to a halt, in line with the verdict handed down by the Court, which ordered it to consult with the small Diaguita de los Huascoaltinos indigenous agricultural community before carrying out any activity in their territory. More on IPS. Goldcorp (G:TSX), (GG:NYSE) is a Global Compact participant since 2009/06/09.

Brazil prosecutors seek payment from Shell, BASF

On May 30th 2012, Brazilian prosecutors said that they asked a court to force oil company Shell and the world's largest chemical company, BASF, to immediately pay $500 million into a compensation fund for hundreds of workers who may have been contaminated at an agricultural chemicals plant. More on Bloomberg. Royal Dutch Shell plc is a founding fathers of the U.N. Global Compact since 2000/07/26. Shell (RDSA:LSE) was a 'Platinum Contributor' of the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2010. BASF -BASF AG (ADR)-, BAS:Xetra is also a Founding Father of the Global Compact since 2000.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Agrium to pay $420K fine in worker's death

The potash company Agrium will pay a $420,000 fine in relation to the death of one of its workers. The company has pleaded guilty to failing to maintain a safe working environment for its employees. More on CBC News. Agrium Inc. (NYSE:AGU)(TSX:AGU) is a Global Compact participant since 2008/04/28.

Ikea Products Made From 600-Year-Old Trees

The home furnishing giant Ikea, founded in Sweden in 1943, is facing heavy criticism for the logging and clear-cutting of old-growth forests in the north of Russian Karelia by its wholly owned subsidiary Swedwood. More on IPS News. The IKEA Group is a Global Compact participant since 2004/12/27. IKEA was a Gold contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2010 and 2009.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Siemens reveals probe into Russian payments, diagnostics business

Global engineering giant Siemens (NYSE:SI) reveals a new investigation into payments made to employees at a Russian facility and a U.S. probe into the company's diagnostics business. More on Mass Device. Siemens (SIE:GR) is a Global Compact participant since 26-11-2003.

BP settles with government, will pay $8M fine, spend $400M to cut pollution at Ind. refinery

BP Products North America Inc. has agreed to install $400 million in new air pollution controls at its northwestern Indiana oil refinery and pay an $8 million fine under a deal announced Wednesday with the government and environmental groups. More on Newser. British Petroleum plc (NYSE:BP)(LSE:BP) (BP) is a Global Compact participant and founding father since 2000/07/26.

HSBC Alleged To Have Engaged in Massive Anti-Money Laundering Violations

Reuters released a Special Report detailing global bank HSBC’s anti-money laundering activities. (...) The company, according to Reuters, did not adequately review billions of dollars in client transactions to determine if the customers were using the bank’s services to engage or facilitate drug trafficking, terrorist financing and other criminal activities. More on the Compliance Exchange. HSBC is a Global Compact participant since 2000/11/27. HSBC (LSE:HSBA) was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Syngenta agrees to settle US suit over herbicide

Swiss chemicals maker Syngenta's agreement to pay $105 million to settle a nearly 8-year-old lawsuit over one of its popular agricultural herbicides could help reimburse nearly 2,000 community water systems that have had to filter the chemical from its drinking water, a plaintiffs' attorneys said Friday. Syngenta (SWF:SYNN) is a Global Compact participant since 2009/01/15. Syngenta International AG was a Gold Contributor of the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2012,2011, 2010, 2009.

Friday, May 18, 2012

IBM, HP allegedly implicated in Poland graft scandal: report

Global IT giants IBM and Hewlett-Packard have allegedly been implicated in a corruption scandal over a technology upgrade in Poland's public administration, the Rzeczpospolita daily reported Thursday. More on Phys.org Read more on the Rzeczpospolita daily. Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ) is a Global Compact participant since 2002/08/29.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Eni accused of corruption in Kazakhstan

A subsidiary of Italian energy company Eni is suspected of giving bribes to people close to the president of Kazakhstan, prosecutors said. Italian prosecutors say Eni subsidiary Agip Kco is suspected of offering bribes to the son-in-law of the Kazakh president, through 2007, Russia's state-run news agency RIA Novosti reports. Read more: on UPI. More on Reuters. Eni Spa (ENI.MI) is a Global Compact participant since 2001/07/01 and 'Founding Father' of the Global Compact. ENI was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2010.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Johnson Controls Battery Group for exposing workers to lead, other hazards at Holland, Ohio, plant

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Johnson Controls Battery Group Inc. for 11 alleged health violations - including one willful and two repeat - following an Oct. 25 inspection that was initiated based on a complaint. Inspectors found workers overexposed to lead at the company's Holland plant due to a lack of engineering controls and poor housekeeping practices. Proposed fines total $188,600. More on U.S. OHSA. Johnson Controls Battery Group Inc. is a unit of Johnson Controls(JCI:NYSE) a Global Compact participant since 2004/03/31.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Veolia fined after agency worker sustained serious burns

Waste management provider Veolia Environmental Services has been fined after an agency worker was seriously burned by hot ash at an incineration depot in Deptford, U.K. More on Safety News. Veolia Environmental Services is a subsidiary of Veolia Environment, which is a Global Compact participant since 2002/05/10. Veolia Environment was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2010, and a 5,000 contributor in 2008, and 2006.

Groups challenge permit for cement plant in NC

Environmental groups are challenging the state decision to issue an air quality permit for a cement plant in Castle Hayne. They say the state is looking to place the responsibility elsewhere when it comes to pollution associated with the proposed Titan America cement plant. More on wect.com. Titan America is a sister company of Global Compact participant Titan Cement Company TITK:Athens. Titan Cement is a participant since 2002/08/31.

Holcim (US), Inc. Agrees to Pay $36,500 Penalty for Clean Water Act Violations in Florence, Colorado

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has entered into a Combined Complaint and Consent Agreement (CCCA) with Holcim (US), Inc. (Holcim) in response to alleged violations of the Clean Water Act at its limestone and silica quarry and Portland cement plant located in Florence, Fremont County, Colorado. Read the official EPA press release. Holcim (US) is a subsidiary of Swiss Holcim Ltd. (HOLN:SIX), a Global Compact participant since 2003/03/06. Holcim Ltd. was a 'Silver' Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011 and 2010.

Siemens makes illegal windmill deal in occupied Western Sahara

The German multinational, Siemens, has landed an order for the construction and maintenance of 22 windmills to be built in a wind farm in Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara.The problem is that, according to international law, it is illegal to trade or dispose of resources in occupied Western Sahara without the consent of Western Sahara’s indigenous population, the Saharawis, who also have to benefit from any such dealings. More on News Time Africa. Siemens (SIE:GR) is a Global Compact participant since 26-11-2003.

Palestinian organisations call for action against G4S over role in Israeli jails

On April 17th 2012, Palestinian organisations today called for action to be taken against G4S, the British-Danish security corporation that is contracted to provide security equipment to Israeli prisons at which Palestinian political prisoners are held. More on EI. Both G4S Israel and its parent company G4S plc are Global Compact participants. G4S Israel became a participant in 2010/09/27 and the company is non-communicating (i.e. it has not yet communicated its progress). G4S plc was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation of the Global Compact in 2011 and 2010.

Implats charged with culpable homicide over miner's death

South Africa's Impala Platinum, the world's second-largest producer of the precious metal, confirmed on Wednesday that it had been charged with culpable homicide following a fatality at one of its mines five years ago. More on Reuters Africa. Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats) (IMP:SJ) is a Global Compact participant since 2008/04/08.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Holcim Cement Tainted in Switzerland by Work Rights Abuses in India

The ICEM-affiliated Pragatisheel Cement Shramik Sangh (PCSS) conducted a two-week tour of activities in Switzerland that concluded, educating trade union colleagues on the grave violations of work rights abuses by Holcim Cement of contract workers in India’s Chhattisgarh region. More on the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions(ICEM) website. Holcim Ltd. (HOLN:SIX) is a Global Compact participant since 2003/03/06. It was a 'Silver' Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011 and 2010.

ConocoPhillips, CNOOC to pay $267 million for China spill

U.S. oil firm ConocoPhillips and its partner CNOOC(NYSE:CEO) have agreed to pay 1.683 billion yuan ($266.89 million) in compensation for a series of oil spills off the coast of northern China last year. More on Yahoo/Reuters You can also read our previous post. China National Offshore Oil Corp. is a Global Compact participant since 2008/06/25. It was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011.

Bristol-Myers Subpoenaed By SEC In FCPA Probe

Drug maker Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. said Thursday it received a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to a foreign bribery probe. More on Corruption Currents (WSJ). Read the 10-Q SEC filing . Bristol-Myers Squibb is a Global Compact participant since 2010/12/09. Bristol-Myers is a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2012. It also contributed in 2011.

Hess to Pay USD 850,000 Fine for Violating Air Pollution Standards at N.J. plant

Hess (HES) is to pay an $850,000 civil penalty to resolve federal Clean Air Act violations at the refinery as part of the settlement with the federal Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Justice, and the DEP. The settlement is the result of a negotiated agreement with Hess. In addition, the Hess Corporation is expected to make about $45 million in pollution control upgrades at its Port Reading oil refinery near Woodbridge. Read the official press release from New Jersey's DEP. Hess is a Global Compact participant since 2002/08/31.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Volvo Fined $72 Million By US Court Over Engine Emissions

Volvo AB (VOLV-B.SK) said Monday its Volvo Powertrain Corporation unit has been fined $72 million by a US court over emissions from Volvo Penta engines built in 2005. Read More on Fox Business Volvo Group is Global Compact participant since 2001/12/24.

Employee litigation against Tata gets class action status

Two employees of Indian outsourcer Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have won class action status for a lawsuit alleging that the company made deductions from their wages in breach of their contract while they were working in the U.S. More on Computerworld / IDG News Service Tata Consultancy Services is a Global Compact participant since 2006/10/23.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

EBRD probes Slovenia plant contract with Alstom

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development said it was looking into corruption allegations involving a Slovenian power-plant upgrade contract with France's Alstom.

More on Reuters.

Alstom is a Global Compact participant since 2008/03/18. It is a Member of the Working Group on the 10th Principle. Alstom was also a Gold contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

South Africa gold miners face class suit

A South African lawyer has signed up more than 6 000 plaintiffs from South Africa and Lesotho in preparation for a class action lawsuit against gold miners whose negligence allegedly resulted in workers contracting silicosis, a debilitating lung disease. The principal targets of the suit will be AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields and Harmony Gold, the country three biggest gold miners and producer DRDGold.

More on the Southern Time.

Gold Fields Limited is a Global Compact participant since 2006. Anglogold Ashanti is a Global Compact participant since 2004. Both Anglogold Ashanti and Gold Fields Limited were Gold Contributors to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2010 and 2011.

US SEC Probes Eni, Total On Libya Operations

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has sent formal requests to Italy's Eni SpA and France's Total SA related to the companies' Libyan businesses, the companies disclosed in regulatory filings.

More on Dow Jones.

Eni Spa is a Global Compact participant since 2001/07/01. Total S.A. is a Global Compact participant since 2002/03/07.

Both Total and ENI were Gold Contributors to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2010.

ThyssenKrupp USA fined USD 95000 for multiple violations of air permits

Press Register reported that Alabama state officials have cited ThyssenKrupp for multiple violations of the air permits governing the company's two steel mills in Calvert and issued USD 95,000 in fines.

More on Steel Guru.

ThyssenKrupp AG is a Global Compact participant since 2011/11/04

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Suncor Energy Fined For Air Quality Violations

On April 2 2012, Suncor Energy (U.S.A) agreed to pay more than $2 million in fines for air quality violations after state inspectors discovered violations of state and federal requirements during an inspection nearly two years ago. The health department says the main violations involved benzene waste.

More on KKTV.com

Suncor Energy Inc. is a Global Compact participant since 2001/08/31. Suncor Energy was a gold contributor for the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011.

ArcelorMittal Warren, Inc and Clean Water Act

On March 13th 2012, the U.S. EPA proposed to assess a civil penalty in the amount of $79,350.00 against ArcelorMittal Warren, Inc. for violations of the Clean Water Act. EPA was seeking civil penalties for ArcelorMittal Warren's failure to comply with effluent limits, monitoring requirements, and recordkeeping requirements written in its National Discharge Elimination System permit.

More on the EPA.

ArcelorMittal is a Global Compact participant since 2003/09/03. ArcelorMittal was a Gold Contributor for the Foundation of the Global Compact in 2012.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Chinese firm helps Iran spy on citizens (ZTE Corporation)

A Chinese telecommunications equipment company has sold Iran's largest telecom firm a powerful surveillance system capable of monitoring landline, mobile and internet communications, interviews and contract documents show...

More on Reuters.

ZTE Corporation is a Global Compact participant since 17-02-2009.

Coke’s not it: 16 workers sue, call giant ‘cesspool’ of racial discrimination

Sixteen black and Hispanic production workers are suing Coca-Cola, claiming they have been forced to work in a “ cesspool of racial discrimination.” The suit, filed in Brooklyn Federal Court, accuses the company of relegating minorities to less favorable assignments, unfair disciplinary action and retaliation for complaining...

Read more

The Coca-Cola Company is a Global Compact participant since 2006/03/14

In 2010, Coca-Cola was a Gold contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Possible Corruption At Swiss Joint Venture (Yara International ASA)

Norwegian fertilizer company Yara International ASA said Friday its investigation into possible corruption has now uncovered unacceptable payments from the company's joint venture in Switzerland.

Read More on 4-Traders.
Read the official press release issued by the company.

Yara International ASA is a Global Compact participant since 2006/02/03.

In 2011 and 2010, Yara International ASA was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Novo Nordisk sued by US salesforce for $70m

A US law firm has filed a legal challenge against Novo Nordisk on behalf of current and former sales representatives, claiming millions of dollars in unpaid overtime.

Sanford Wittels & Heisler claims that Denmark-based Novo Nordisk defied state and federal laws by withholding overtime wages from the sales reps, and is demanding $70m to settle the matter. The case has been filed in the State of New York.

More on PMLive Intelligence Online

Novo Nordisk is a Global Compact participant since 2002/03/18. It contributed to USD 5,000 - USD 10,000 to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2009.

27 injured in roof collapse at IFFCO plant

At least 27 workers were injured, 11 of them seriously, when the roof of a silo caved in at an Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Limited (IFFCO) plant in Paradip on Feburary 20th 2012. Locals and workers union leaders blamed the plant management for the incident.

More on IBN Live.

IFFCO is a Global Compact participant since 2001/11/16

Norwegian trade unionist wins court decision over DHL

Monica Okpe, the Norwegian trade unionist sacked by DHL, celebrated her victory in the Norwegian labour court on Tuesday March 7th 2012, over DHL's anti union actions. In a unanimous and binding verdict delivered late in the afternoon the court ruled that Norwegian labour laws have been broken, and she should be reinstated and awarded 42,000 euro compensation.

More on Uni Global Union website

Deutsche Post DHL is a Global Compact participant since 2006/07/20. It contributed to USD 5,000 - USD 10,000 to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2009.

Holcim’s Violations in India Taken to OECD

On 12 January, the ICEM joined a complaint to the OECD submitted by the local union Pragatisheel Cement Shramik Sangh (PCSS). PCSS is a member of the ICEM global family and represents 1,500 contract workers in the state of Chhattisgarh.

The complaint focuses on a number of breaches of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises at Holcim’s cement companies. Other than the clear violation of the contract workers’ right to organise and bargain collectively, Holcim is also cited for refusing to engage in collective bargaining with PCSS, which is officially registered as the trade union representing workers at the cement installations.

More on International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions website. Holcim was a 2011 Siver Contributor of the Foundation for the Global Compact'

Mitsui unit to pay $90 million to settle Deepwater Horizon spill liability

MOEX Offshore 2007 LLC has agreed to settle its liability in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in a settlement with the United States valued at $90 million, according to the Department of Justice, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

MOEX is owned by Mitsui Co Ltd.

More on Marine Log.

Mitsui Co Ltd is a Global Compact participant since 2004/10/06.

Monsanto guilty of chemical poisoning in France

A French court on Monday, February 13th, 2012, declared U.S. biotech giant Monsanto guilty of chemical poisoning of a French farmer...

More on Reuters.
More on Business and Human Rights.

Monsanto is a Global Compact participant since 2009/09/17. Monsanto was also a Gold contributor of the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011 and 2010.

World Bank Debars Alstom Hydro France, Alstom Network Schweiz AG, and their Affiliates

On February 22 2012, the World Bank Group announced the debarment of Alstom Hydro France and Alstom Network Schweiz AG (Switzerland) - in addition to their affiliates - for a period of three years following Alstom’s acknowledgment of misconduct in relation to a Bank-financed hydropower project.

The debarment is part of a Negotiated Resolution Agreement between Alstom and the World Bank which also includes a restitution payment by the two companies totaling approximately $9.5 million.

Read the World Bank press release

Alstom is a Global Compact participant since 2008/03/18. It is a Member of the Working Group on the 10th Principle. Alstom was also a Gold contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011.

French energy giant Alstom fined for bribery in relation to Zambian hydropower project

The World Bank has slapped a $9.5-million fine on the Alstom corporation, involved in the South African nuclear industry, and blacklisted two of its subsidiaries after it admitted to bribing a senior Zambian government official. The World Bank fine was imposed after Alstom admitted to an "improper payment" of €110 000 to the official for "consultancy services" when the company submitted a bid to perform bank-funded rehabilitation work on hydropower systems at Victoria Falls.

More on Mail and Guardian online

Alstom is a Global Compact participant since 2008/03/18. It is a Member of the Working Group on the 10th Principle. Alstom was also a Gold contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Elevator company vows to discipline workers guilty of racial harassment

The elevator company accused of racial harassment by a former employee will take “disciplinary actions” against supervisors or other workers who acted inappropriately, a corporate official promised Wednesday.

More at Chicago-Sun-Times
More on the Chicago Tribune

ThyssenKrupp AG is a Global Compact participant since 2011/11/04

General Electric Whistleblower Says He Was Fired For Raising Concerns About Potential Corruption

A former Iraq-based General Electric executive claims he was fired after raising concerns that the company was violating federal anti-bribery laws.

More on the Huffington Post

General Electric is a Global Compact participant since 2008/12/10.

The GE Foundation was a USD 10,000 - USD 50,000 range contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2010.

Global Compact Critics: Delta Lloyd excludes 38 companies for violating Global Compact Principles

Global Compact Critics: Delta Lloyd excludes 38 companies for violating Global Compact Principles

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Chinese company 'sacked worker after sex harassment complaint'

CHINESE-OWNED mobile handset manufacturer ZTE threatened to send an employee from its Melbourne offices back to China after she complained about sexual harassment, according to an unfair-dismissal claim lodged with the Federal Court in Victoria.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/business/chinese-company-sacked-worker-after-sex-harassment-complaint-20120206-1r1te.html#ixzz1ljVtZzej

ZTE Corporation is a Global Compact participant since 2009/02/17.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

GSK fined $90,000 by Argentine court in illegal vaccine trials

The Buenos Aires Herald (BAH) reports that a paper issued by the National Administration of Medicine, Food and Technology found GSK to be in violation of the law for participating in vaccine experiments that are illegal in both the US and Europe.

More on BuenosAiresHerald.com
http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/88922/gsk-lab-fined-over-vaccine-tests-that-killed-14--babies

GSK is a Global Compact participant since 2007/08/10

Brazilian mining company connected to Belo Monte dam voted worst corporation

The world's second largest mining company, Vale, has been given the dubious honor of being voted the world's most awful corporation in terms of human rights abuses and environmental destruction by the Public Eye Awards.

More on mongabay.com

More on the Public Eye Awards website.

Vale is a Global Compact participant since 2007/09/12
Vale was a USD 20,000-100,000 contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2009

Titan trying to calm environmentalists' fears

For more than three years, a contentious battle has waged between area environmentalists and would-be Castle Hayne cement company Titan America.

More on StarNews Online
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20120130/ARTICLES/120139999/1177?p=1&tc=pg

Titan America is a subsidiary of Titan Cement Company

Titan Cement Company is a Global Compact participant since 2002/08/31.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Alcoa asks federal judge to dismiss bribery suit

Alcoa Inc. on Friday asked a federal judge in Pittsburgh to dismiss a bribery lawsuit filed against the company by an aluminum maker controlled by the Bahrain government. Read more: Alcoa asks federal judge to dismiss bribery suit - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Alcoa is a Global Compact participant since 2009/09/23. Alcoa was a USD 10,000 contributor for the Global Compact Foundation in 2010.

Canada’s Nexen to fight corruption charges in Yemen

According to government sources and former employees in Yemen, Nexen has engaged in “illegal” behavior as its senior management was trying to bribe their way through a production-sharing agreement extension, allowing them to retain Yemen’s most lucrative oil site.Read More on Bikyamasr.

More on the Yemen Post
More on the Calgary Herald

Nexen Inc. is a Global Compact participant since 2001/03/01

United Water Parent Company Fined $10 Million in European Antitrust Investigation

The European Commission (EC) has opened formal proceedings to determine whether French water services company Suez Environment has violated European antitrust regulations, according to a press release issued by the European Commission on January 18, 2012... More on Yonkers Tribune. Also read the official E.C. press release.

Suez Environment is a Global Compact participant since 2008/11/27.

Conoco, Cnooc Parent Reach $160 Million Oil Spill Settlement

ConocoPhillips and China National Offshore Oil Corp. will pay about $160 million to compensate Chinese fishermen for losses arising from oil leaks...
More on Bloomberg-Businessweek

China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC) is a Global Compact participant since 2008/06/25. CNOOC was a Gold Contributor to the Foundation for the Global Compact in 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Tata prosecuted for endangering workers during gas leak repair

Two workers narrowly avoided being killed or seriously injured when flames up to three metres in length shot from a leaking gas pipe during poorly planned and executed repair work. Tata Steel UK Limited, registered to Millbank, London, pleaded guilty to two separate breaches of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations. The company was fined a total of GBP 30,000 and ordered to pay GBP 1,696 in costs.

More on Health and Safety Executive

Tata Steel is a Global Compact participant since 2001/03/09.
Tata Steel was a USD 10,000 contributor at the Foundation for the Global Compact both in 2009 and 2010.

Saint-Gobain’s CertainTeed Balks at ‘Common Sense’ End to US Teamster Strike

A month-long strike by the ICEM-affiliated Teamsters Union (IBT) in the US continues (...) The work stoppage by 90 members of IBT Local 25 in Massachusetts against Paris-based Saint-Gobain’s wholly-owned CertainTeed subsidiary began on 19 December over unreasonable demands to reduce workers’ health insurance benefits.

More on ICEM

Saint Gobain is a Global Compact participant since 2003/04/22.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Implats says 5,000 workers on strike at Rustenburg

Impala Platinum , the world's second largest platinum producer, said on Monday it was losing an estimated 3,000 ounces a day...

More on Reuters

Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats) is a Global Compact participant since 2008/04/08.