Global Citizenship

Creating a Culture of Citizenship > Our Workplace Human Rights

Global Recognition

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Dignity for All

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Abbott Honored for Commitment to the Welfare of Children

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Support for Human Rights

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Around the world, Abbott is recognized for its commitment to human rights. We comply with laws and regulations wherever we have operations, as well as through our policies and programs.

In January 2012, Abbott was recognized by Abrinq – Save the Children as a Child-Friendly Company for its commitment to the welfare of children and adolescents in Brazil.

Abbott believes in the dignity of every human being and respects individual rights as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These principles are reflected in our company’s mission and core values. While governments have the primary responsibility to respect, protect, promote and fulfill the human rights of their citizens, Abbott recognizes that companies play a supporting role in promoting human rights within their spheres of influence.

We contribute to the fulfillment of human rights through compliance with laws and regulations wherever we have operations, as well as through our policies and programs. Our guidelines include:

• Encouraging open communication between management and employees
• Complying with child labor laws and laws prohibiting any form of forced, bonded or indentured labor or involuntary prison labor
• Providing compensation and benefits that are competitive and comply with applicable laws for minimum wages, overtime hours and mandated benefits
• Providing a healthy and safe working environment
• Promoting workforce diversity and not discriminating against any employee for reasons such as race, religion, color, age, gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or any other status protected by law
• Not tolerating harassment or harsh or inhumane treatment in the workplace
• Protecting individual privacy

Abbott Recognized for Child-Friendly Practices

In January 2012, Abrinq – Save the Children (www.fundabrinq.org.br) recognized Abbott as an Empresa Amiga da Criança (Child-Friendly Company) for its commitment to the welfare of children and adolescents in Brazil. Abbott was recognized for its public commitment to refrain from the direct or indirect use of child labor and to work only with suppliers who also commit not to use child labor. Going further, the award recognized Abbott’s commitments to creating health and education programs for its employees’ children and to promoting public health and education programs for Brazilian children and adolescents. The recognition enables Abbott to join a select group of Brazilian and multinational companies that are permitted to use Abrinq’s seal on their products. The Abrinq seal is widely recognized and appreciated by Brazilian consumers.

Note: All data in the Global Citizenship section reflects activities prior to the separation of Abbott and AbbVie on January 1, 2013.