Bridgestone Colombia ensures that all of its activities embody the highest ethical standards, guaranteeing compliance with national and international laws and promoting competition and operational practices.
Ethics Committee
In 2016, Bridgestone Colombia set up an Ethics Committee, the main function of which is to analyze any doubts arising from issues of non-compliance, in addition to the interpretation of the guidelines set out in the company’s internal policies or procedures. In 2016, the Committee was composed of 4 members who convened 2 sessions.
Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct sets out the guidelines for promoting respect and tolerance in the workplace. The company uses the Code of Conduct of the Bridgestone Americas Compliance Center (BACC), which contains all the priority issues in this area.
Over the past year, leaflets regarding the Code of Conduct were handed out to everyone at the plant. Furthermore, the 2015-2016 Ethics Program was implemented, which included a communication plan to raise awareness among employees and suppliers of areas relating to ethics, integrity and transparency.
In 2016, ethics training was also offered to service providers and technical consultants (from the Americas and the Caribbean). In November, Ethics Week was held, raising awareness among employees regarding relevant ethical areas, such as the Code of Conduct and complaints procedures.
Ethics podcasts were also used to highlight the importance of this area. Furthermore, the company’s leaders (management and leadership) provided a declaration of compliance.
Code of Conduct Training
In 2016, Bridgestone Colombia’s reaffirmed its commitment to providing its employees with Code of Conduct training. One-hundred percent of employees took part in these training sessions, which focused on areas such as employee rights and responsibilities, as well as those of their colleagues. All new employees also received training during the induction process.
Complaints Procedures
Bridgestone firmly believes in offering its employees the opportunity to report any problem or non-compliance with the Code of Conduct. This has been made possible through the implementation of communication channels.
All complaints are confidential in nature, and, through these channels, employees can also voice their concerns about ethical dilemmas. They are also a means of resolving any doubts regarding compliance with corporate policies.
Employees can file a complaint via the following channels:
•Directly with their manager or with the Human Resources Department
•Via the toll-free number 01 800 915 5860
Fight Against Corruption
Bridgestone Colombia strives to eliminate corruption and conflicts of interest at all levels. During 2016, 100% of employees received training about how to act when faced with these types of situations.
In 2016, there were no confirmed cases of corruption, nor was the company fined for any acts of non-compliance.
Responsible Marketing
Bridgestone Colombia firmly believes in the importance of implementing promotional campaigns that meet the highest standards of quality.
Bridgestone strives to ensure its advertising and promotions comply with all applicable laws, as well as ethical marketing practices, guaranteeing that Bridgestone provides its clients with quality products that comply with what is being offered in its advertising campaigns.
Pricing is covered by the legal norms governing operations.
Personal Data Protection
Personal data, from both the company’s present and prospective employees, is protected by Bridgestone Colombia through its privacy notice, which specifies the guidelines on how the personal information the company possesses is handled and safeguarded. Bridgestone Colombia is in full compliance with the Colombian government’s National Data Protection System.
Social Networks
Bridgestone Colombia believes it is fundamentally important to promote engagement with its consumers and stakeholders. This digital forum allows the company to share relevant information with these groups, in addition to directly facilitating dialog and fostering the exchange of opinions.
Through its social networks, Bridgestone can learn more about what its customers need and want, as well as their perception of the brand. During 2016, Bridgestone focused on consolidating this communication with its customers, achieving more than 50,000 followers on Facebook.
Participation with Associations and Authorities
Bridgestone Colombia promotes healthy competition and development within Colombia’s industrial sector by participating in events and activities that promote these goals. This is why the company believes it is fundamentally important to promote partnerships and collaboration that help it contribute more effectively and accurately.
In 2016, the company worked alongside the following associations:
• ANDI – National Business Association of Colombia.
• CEA – American Business Council
• AMCHAM - Colombian-North American Chamber of Commerce
• National Retreading Association (ANRE)
• National Retail Federation (FENALCO)
• Rueda Verde.
Moreover, in 2016, Bridgestone Colombia was involved in the negotiations to discuss non-tariff barriers in Ecuador and promote compliance.
The company actively supported the anti-dumping bill in Colombia.
The company actively participated in forums and negotiations focusing on technical guidelines for tires, promoting the quality of the tires being sold on the market, in addition to actively supporting the anti-dumping bill in Colombia.