Operations and suppliers in which the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining may be at risk

The abuse of employee rights is not tolerated in any form at Symrise. We attach great importance to participation by employee representatives in decision-making processes in the spirit of partnership. This includes the formation of works councils. A clear commitment to freedom of association and the right to membership in a labor union are a matter of course for us. Globally, 60 % of our workforce is covered by collective bargaining agreements, and about 87 % of the workforce in Germany is covered by a wage agreement. In 2019, there were no strikes against Symrise in our group of companies.

Furthermore, we expect our suppliers to allow their employees the right to freedom of assembly and collective bargaining, to observe at least the statutory provisions on working times and pay, and to make a clear commitment against discrimination and abuse. Compliance with these regulations is audited regularly through corresponding risk-based supplier audits.

There were no Symrise locations where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining was violated or put at risk in the reporting year.