Minimum standards regarding labour rights
In The way we work, Rio Tinto's statement of business practice, the minimum standard set for all businesses is that employees will have the right to choose whether or not they wish to be represented collectively. Minimum standards are also those enforced by state and federal laws, and examples are:
- Kennecott Utah Copper sets equal opportunity statements for the policies throughout KUC operations, including Title VII policy for minorities and females, the veterans and disabled employee and applicant policy, and sexual harassment policy and in job ads, purchase and service contracts and employment postings at the job site and entrances to the business. A typical job ad statement reads: "KUC is an equal employment opportunity employer and specifically invites and encourages applicants from qualified women, minorities, workers with disabilities and veterans. KUC has also negotiated with its 15 labour unions mutual protection of employee rights which are incorporated in its labour agreement."
- At Borax's US operations, whilst Rio Tinto supports the right of employees to choose whether or not they wish to be represented collectively, some states in the US are not 'Right to Work' states for example, so for the employees of US Borax, union membership is compulsory where a union is in place at the time of an hourly employee's hire.
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