RESPECTING HUMAN RIGHTS SEC 3 56 In 2023, we received 4 substantiated complaints concerning human rights violations, the cases mainly involved collecting payment from workers without authorisation. Investigations and appropriate actions have been taken to address the complaints. Collective Bargaining Agreement We uphold the rights of our employees by supporting them to be part of trade unions or any association of their choice and to engage in collective bargaining. As of 2023, 6,380 of our workforce is protected by Collective Agreements (CAs). Our non-executive staff members are safeguarded by the workers’ unions, providing a platform for suggestions and concerns. Our internal and national unions advocate for employees across diverse segments. Meetings with each union are held biannually. However, we will increase the frequency should an urgent matter take place. We believe that regular engagements with union representatives play a pivotal role in promptly resolving concerns raised, ensuring the welfare and rights of employees are addressed effectively. Apart from obtaining their input, we respect them by notifying them in advance should there be operational changes, of which, FGV has established that the notice period and terms for CA consultation and negotiation will require a period of three months’ notice. Furthermore, a Harmony Communication Committee (HCC) has been established in our estates, benefiting all workers, including migrants, to collaboratively address issues and concerns affecting them. Members of the HCC include migrant worker representatives from different nationalities who are elected by the workers. OUR INITIATIVES This year, our engagements with unions include: FGV worker’s unions are registered labour unions that represent employees within the Group. Each of our subsidiaries has union representatives, elected by members, who meet with local management representatives regularly in forums, to discuss and resolve issues. As of 2023, there were 17 labour unions within the Group representing 6,380 or 41% of permanent employees in Malaysia (excluding MSM and Integrated Farming) across our estates and mills in Malaysia including Sabah. The main purpose of worker unions is to give workers the power to negotiate for more favourable working conditions and other benefits through collective bargaining. FGV recognises the right of the unions as well as our employees to freedom of expression within the stipulated law and does not preclude individuals from joining the unions. The Management and FGV Union Exco members hold a Collective Bargaining meeting every three years to renew the Collective Agreement. In addition to this, in compliance with the ILO Standard, the Management conducts bi-annual engagement sessions with all worker’s unions by region. RESPECTING HUMAN RIGHTS • 14 internal union agreements • 3 external agreements with the National Union of Petroleum and Chemical Industry Workers (NUPCIW) and the National Union of Commercial Workers (NUCW) The CAs cover all our workers in plantations, mills, factories, refineries, bulking, and logistics facilities, almost all of our operations. Number of CAs signed with workers’ unions in 2023:
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