Labour Standards FY 2008/09

What are we trying to achieve?

In FY 2005/06, Amcor set minimum global labour standards. Amcor believes that it is not only required to abide by the national laws of each country in which it operates, but that it must also conduct its business in accordance with internationally accepted practices and procedures.

How are we going about it?

Our Corporate Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy, outlines the minimum labour standards we extend to all Amcor co-workers. The Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy was revised in FY 2008/09 to support the principles of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

Mutual respect

Amcor is committed to a working environment where there is mutual trust and respect and where everyone feels responsible for the performance and reputation of the Group.

Discrimination

Amcor recognises the dignity of each co-worker and the right to a workplace free of harassment, abuse or corporal punishment. Decisions on hiring, salary, benefits, advancement, termination or retirement are based solely on the co-worker’s ability to do the job. There is no discrimination based on race, creed, disability, gender, marital or maternity status, religious or political beliefs, age or sexual orientation. Our Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy details our expected standards of behaviour relating to discrimination.

No material discrimination claims were identified through internal use of our Whistleblower Service in FY 2008/09. No notifications of discrimination in our operations were received from third parties via the Whistleblower Service during the same period.

Forced and child labour

Amcor recognises the rights of every child to be protected from economic exploitation and respects the laws of each country in which it operates in regard to minimum hiring age for co-workers.

Amcor also complies with existing employment regulations regarding forced labour. Our Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy details our expected standards of behaviour relating to forced and child labour.

No instances of child or forced labour were identified through our Whistleblower Service in FY 2008/09.

No notifications of child or forced labour in our operations were received from third parties during the same period.

Compensation

Amcor complies with minimum wage legislation in the countries in which it operates.

Benefits

Amcor aims to provide each employee with all benefits that are legally required or better. Amcor provides retirement plans in most countries in which it operates.

The Company makes contributions to these plans in accordance with local regulatory requirements or as agreed with employees. These plans generally have a high level of participation. We provide both defined benefit and defined contribution plans to employees. Most of the defined benefit plans are now closed to new participants.Some Business Groups also provide post-retirement health benefit plans.

In most countries in which Amcor provides defined benefit pension plans, the obligation is planned to be met from pension funds maintained separately from the Company’s assets. The estimated present value of the future liabilities exceeded the value of assets set aside by A$174.5 million at 30 June 2009 following the downturn in financial markets. Read more in our 2009 Annual Report – Note 1(t) and Note 23.

Freedom from harassment

Amcor has created a work culture that affords its co-workers the opportunity to work without fear of intimidation, reprisal or harassment, and Amcor will continue to take action to ensure that such a culture is maintained within the Group.

Working environment

Amcor cares about the safety of its people and recognises that injuries result in needless suffering to individuals and their families. Amcor is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for its co-workers, contractors and visitors. This commitment is fully supported by management and extensive safety programs have been developed.