UK Modern Slavery Act | Corning

UK Modern Slavery Act

UK Modern Slavery Act

UK Modern Slavery Act

U.K. Modern Slavery Act Disclosure Statement

June 25, 2018

The U.K. Modern Slavery Act of 2015 (the “Act”) requires commercial organizations that supply goods or services in the U.K. and which have a total annual turnover above a certain threshold to publish a slavery and human trafficking statement each financial year. This statement should disclose the steps the organization has taken to ensure there is no slavery or human trafficking in its supply chains or its own business.

Corning Incorporated (“Corning”) is a world leader in the manufacture of specialty glass and ceramics. Drawing on more than 160 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, Corning creates and makes keystone components that enable high-technology systems for consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications and life sciences. Corning operates in five reportable segments: Display Technologies, Optical Communications, Environmental Technologies, Specialty Materials and Life Sciences. Corning manufactures and processes products at approximately 90 plants in 17 countries.

As a global corporation with manufacturing facilities around the world, we rely on a vast network of suppliers. We value these relationships, as they are critical to our success. In keeping with our Values and our Corporate Citizenship responsibilities, we take steps to ensure that the suppliers we select meet our standards and adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct.

Corning on behalf of its UK based entity, Corning Limited (“Corning UK”), and all of its other subsidiaries in scope for purposes of the Act (collectively, the “Corning Group”), is committed to responsible sourcing and combatting human trafficking and slavery in our supply chain. Corning UK and the other companies in the Corning Group subscribe to Corning’s California Transparency In Supply Chains Act statement, available at http://www.corning.com/worldwide/en/about-us/suppliers/california-transparency-in-supply-chains-act-disclosure.html.

This financial year, the companies of the Corning Group have taken the following steps to combat modern slavery:

Supplier Code of Conduct

Corning continues to require companies (“Suppliers”) that do business with Corning and its affiliates to adhere to Corning’s Supplier Code of Conduct (the “Supplier Code”), which, among other things, addresses humane labor conditions and clearly states that “forced, bonded or indentured labor or involuntary prison labor is not to be used.”  The Supplier Code requires Suppliers and their employees to comply with the Supplier Code in all aspects of their operations that relate to their business with Corning.  In the event of a violation of Corning’s Supplier Code, Corning reserves the right to either terminate its relationship with the Supplier or to work with the Supplier to implement corrective action to remedy the non-conformance.

Audits

Corning may rely on the audit rights in its Suppliers’ contracts, where applicable, to permit Corning to engage in an audit through the Corning Supplier Management Program.  Corning requires Suppliers to comply with applicable laws and regulations, which would include laws related to human rights and working conditions. If such information or another violation of Corning’s Supplier Code were identified during an audit, it would be appropriately noted and the relationship with the Supplier would be terminated or remedial action by the Supplier would be required.  Corning anticipates that it may conduct such audits as required throughout the year.

Internal Accountability

In addition to having our Suppliers follow the Supplier Code, we continue to require our employees to follow an Employee Code of Conduct (the “Employee Code”) which governs the legal and ethical aspects of their behavior as Corning employees.  The Employee Code describes how we behave in accordance with Corning’s Values and requires that employees abide by laws and regulations applicable to their work, including laws regarding workplace practices and safety. 

Training

All employees are required to complete periodic training related to the Employee Code.  Management personnel within Corning are also required to complete an annual certification attesting that they know and understand the requirements of Corning’s Employee Code.  Corning also periodically trains its supply management personnel regarding best practices for dealing with Suppliers, including the Supplier Code, what it means, and how it applies to Suppliers.

As we expand our business activities and work with Suppliers domestically and globally to meet customers' needs, Corning remains committed to human rights and safety in our supply chain.

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Steve Candler

Director, Optical Fiber Commercial Operations, EMEA

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