In order to firmly anchor social principles pertaining to human rights and labor standards that the company has adopted and also expects of its business partners around the world, Merck enacted its Social Charter in 2007. Merck is thus advocating adherence to core values. Topics such as occupational health and safety, pay, working hours or equal opportunity play a key role as do the rejection of child and forced labor, and the prevention of discrimination, bribery and corruption. By signing the Responsible Care® Global Charter, Merck committed itself to take responsibility for products and processes throughout their entire life cycle and to actively help to constantly improve environmental protection, plant safety and the protection of consumer and employee health. The new Corporate Responsibility Report, which was published at the end of 2007, documents many examples of how Merck and its employees assume responsibility worldwide – in daily business as well as for the environment and the community.
