Global Alumina Corporation - Essay Example

• Human rights – respect human dignity

The Global Alumina Corporation, and all affiliations, were founded and operate under the ideology of improving the local economies. So they are regularly taking social concerns into consideration. So much so that in 2007 they were commended by the United Nations for their commitment to follow their best practices procedures and encouraged the distribution of a publication, “An Inspirational Guide to Implementing the United Nations Global Compact,” in hopes that others might follow their example. This publication included a section called the “Global Compact’s 10 Principles,” which contains discussion on issues like human rights, labor standards, environment, and anti-corruption. In fact, the first 2 Principles listed are specifically focused on protecting the human rights of all workers. Both of these Principles rely on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, passed in 1948. The declaration guarantees individuals the right to equality, life security, personal freedom, as well as, their economic, social, cultural freedoms.("United nations global," 2012) When it comes to human rights Global Alumina believes in adhering to the internationally, globally, accepted standards of the definition of human rights. More importantly, they feel strongly about not being complicit in situations where human rights may be actively violated.("Global alumina coprotation-," 2012)

• Decent work – maintain decent and secure working conditions

As previously stated, the Global Alumina Corporation has very strong, internationally  embraced, interpretations of what “human rights” means and they intend to see that that is implemented within their company.  In the “Global Compacts 10 Principles,” they explain their overall philosophy on their labor practices and standards. In fact, “Principles”  3 through 6 are dedicated to highlighting their company goals.  Principle 3  covers the philosophy  that all businesses should be upholding the freedom of association and the effective acknowledgment of the right to collective bargaining.  Principle 4 is dedicated to eliminating compulsory or forced labor of any kind; while Principle 5, specifically, focuses on the abolition of child slavery of any kind. Lastly, Principle 6 is dedicated to avoiding issues of discrimination within the companies under their umbrella.("United nations global," 2012)  Global Alumina’s dedication to these Principles show how strongly they seek to make ideal working conditions that are fair, humane and ethical for all individuals.

5) Society – contribute positively to broader societal objectives

          Global Alumina is very dedicated to social and labor issues and that concern extends to other locations within the world. They have made partnerships with other organizations in order to better incorporate and inspire local contribution. In Guinea they made an effort to hire a local workforce. They will, also, be trained in the fields of carpentry, welding, electrical work and pipe fitting, so that they will be better equipped to fill the positions that the refinery will require. Global Alumina is, also, dedicated to reforms being made in Africa that will lower their dependency on foreign funding and allow their education,  job training and economy to improve.  Finally, when they became a signatory of the Global Compact and then formed partnerships with the United Nations Development Program, the United States African Development Foundation, , the United States Agency for International Development and the Canadian International Development Agency, and  the Guinean National Council against HIV/AIDS  “The company entered each partnership with the goal of maximizing the potential benefits to Guineans as the project is developed.” ("Social responsibility -," 2012) The United Nations Compact dedicates Principles 8 and 9 are dedicated directly to environmental concerns within businesses.  The 8th Principle of the United Nations Compact speaks to the need for businesses to be good neighbors to the communities where they are located. They explain that much of the success of the business may not rely solely on the economic and social contributions it makes, but, also, heavily on how well they treat the environments and resources within those areas. Principle 9 encourages the implementation of environmentally “friendly” technologies that are more beneficial for the environment and shows foresight of the future of those environments. ("United nations global," 2012) As a whole Global Alumina has made and continues to make great strides in improving the efficiency, proficiency off their businesses without forgetting the human element that is essential to making all of these endeavors, ultimately,  successful.