12.04.2006 - 11:00am ET

(CSRwire) DETROIT MI, Dec. 4, 2006 - Several leading automakers and their suppliers have launched a collaborative, industry-wide project focused on advancing a shared vision of workplace standards throughout their supply chains that promote decent working conditions for the millions of workers around the world involved in the production of automobiles.

Since October 2005, the effort has been coordinated by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), an industry organization whose focus is to continuously improve business processes and practices involving trading partners throughout the supply chain. In September, the U.S. State Department awarded $185,000 to Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), to help support and advance this project. BSR is a non-profit group that works with companies to advance responsible business practices.

During the past year, project participants have established a set of guiding statements to create a shared industry voice on issues of working conditions that cover the core elements included in companies' individual codes and policies, joint codes created by other industries, and key international standards. These elements include child labor, forced labor, freedom of association, harassment and discrimination, health and safety, wages and benefits, and working hours.

"AIAG's member companies are extremely sensitive to these issues and those participating in this project are taking the initiative to address them in a common approach," said J. Scot Sharland, AIAG executive director. "Working through AIAG, these companies are jointly exploring ways to offer a series of country-specific training sessions in key sourcing markets that will focus on educating suppliers on local labor laws and shared expectations regarding working conditions."

Participants currently involved in this effort include DaimlerChrysler, Exel, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda of America Mfg., Inc., Johnson Controls, and Yazaki.

About AIAG

Founded in 1982, AIAG is a globally recognized organization where OEMs and suppliers unite to address and resolve issues affecting the worldwide automotive supply chain. AIAG's goals are to reduce cost and complexity through collaboration; improve product quality, health, safety and the environment; and optimize speed to market throughout the supply chain. Headquartered in the metro Detroit area, its more than 1,500 member companies include North American, European and Asia-Pacific OEMs and suppliers to the automotive industry. Additional information is available at www.aiag.org.

About BSR

Since 1992, Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) has been providing socially responsible business solutions to many of the world's leading corporations. Headquartered in San Francisco and with offices in Europe and China, BSR is a nonprofit business association that serves its 250 member companies and other Global 1000 enterprises with advisory services, convenings and research to create a more just and sustainable global economy. For more information, visit www.bsr.org.

For more information please contact: