Bridgestone Costa Rica ensures that all of its activities embody the highest ethical standards, guaranteeing compliance with national and international laws and promoting competition good competition and operational practices.
Ethics Committee
Bridgestone Costa Rica has an Ethics Committee, composed of representatives from each area of the plant. 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 eight members who convened five 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, lea ets 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 Ame- ricas 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 provided (management and leadership) provided a declaration of compliance.
98.66% of the employees trained in issues concerning the Code of Conduct.
Code of Conduct Training
In 2016, Bridgestone Costa Rica reaffirmed its commitment to providing its employees with Code of Conduct training. Nearly 99% of employees took part in these training sessions, which focused on areas such as employee rights and responsibilities. All new employees also received training during the onboarding 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 con dential 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
• Directly with the Legal Department
• Directly with the Ethics Committee
• Via the toll-free Ethics Line - 00 800 011 1100
Fight Against Corruption
Bridgestone Costa Rica strives to eliminate corruption and conflicts of interest at all levels. During 2016, 98.6% 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 Costa Rica rmly believes in the importance of implementing promotional campaigns that meet the highest standards of quality and comply with the Law on the Promotion of Competition and Effective Consumer Protection.
Through its Marketing and Legal departments, 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 Costa Rica through its privacy notice, which specifies the guidelines on how the personal information the company possesses is handled and safeguarded.
Social Networks
Bridgestone Costa Rica 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 682 followers on Twitter and 58,556 followers on Facebook.
Facebook Bridgestone Centroamérica y Caribe:
https://www.facebook.com/BridgestoneCR/
Twitter @bridgestonecac
https://twitter.com/bridgestonecac
Participation with Associations and Authorities
Bridgestone Costa Rica promotes healthy competition and development within Costa Rica’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:
• Entrepreneurial Association for Development (AED)
• ALIARSE para el desarrollo
• Costa Rican Association of Large Energy Consumers (ACOGRACE)
• High Technology Services Companies’ Chamber (CAMSCAT)
• Costa Rican Chamber of Industry (CICR)
• Costa Rican-North American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM)
• Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce
• Ecological Foundation for the Recycling of Rubber and Waste Tires (Fundellantas)
• Association of Tire Distributors and Retreaders (ACOLLRE)
• Costa Rican Chamber of Exporters (CADEXCO)
• Costa Rican Association of Free Trade Zone Companies (AZOFRAS)
In 2016, the company worked alongside the Ecological Foundation for the Recycling of Rubber and Waste Tires (Fundellantas) to implement a sustainable solution for tire disposal. The company transported used tires from a public collection center to Fundellantas where they were properly disposed of. The company paid for 35 trips, the equivalent of 14,000 tires.
Collaboration with Fundellantas for the adequate and sustainable imple- mentation to the process of nal dis- posal of tires.
Bridgestone was also present at the conclusion of the commercial negotiation process for the Free Trade Agreement between Central America and Korea, achieving tax exclusions for tires for Costa Rica and Guatemala as well as tax relief periods for the rest of the countries in Central America and Panama.