Human Rights and Labor

In recent years, companies have been required to carry out human rights due diligence based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. In Japan too, the government formulated the National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights in October 2020.

TAIYO YUDEN Group not only complies with the labor laws and regulations of each country in which it operates, it also supports and respects major international standards and rules for protecting human rights, such as the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the UN Global Compact, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the standards of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA).

In May 2020, TAIYO YUDEN signed onto the UN Global Compact and has been acting in accordance with its “Ten Principles,” which are set out under the headings of Human Rights, Labor, the Environment, and Anti-Corruption.
Since FY2020, we have been participating in various subcommittees hosted by the Global Compact Network Japan such as the Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) Subcommittee, SDGs Subcommittee and Human Rights Education Subcommittee.

TAIYO YUDEN Group undergoes a third-party evaluation positively to make continuous improvement.
On major sites in TAIYO YUDEN Group have RBA-VAP audit on a regular basis as third-party evaluation.
TAIYO YUDEN Nakanojo Plant was certified “Platinum”, the highest rank (Expiration Date. January 18, 2025).
TAIYO YUDEN Takasaki Global Center, NIIGATA TAIYO YUDEN, TAIYO YUDEN Tamamura Plant and FUKUSHIMA TAIYO YUDEN was certified “Gold” certification (Expiration Date. December 7, 2024, February 10, 2025, June 16, 2025 and July 14, 2025, respectively).
Furthermore, in 2023, TAIYO YUDEN received “Silver” rating, recognition as one of the top 25% of all the companies evaluated worldwide, in EcoVadis sustainability survey.

TAIYO YUDEN Group is engaged in developing human rights policy, conducting human rights due diligence (Identification of adverse effects on human rights, prevention and mitigation of adverse effects on human rights, follow-up of effectiveness of response, dissemination of information and communicate outside the company), and establishing a remedial mechanism.

TAIYO YUDEN Group develops and operates the labor and human rights management system to ensure an appropriate work environment where human rights are duly respected.
In order to implement specific initiatives, we have established the Labor and Human Rights Management Policy and Compliance Requirements, and each site conducts PDCA activities to make continuous improvements.

TAIYO YUDEN Group had established the "Group Labor Rights Management Manual" and the "Management Standards for Limiting Working Hours to 60 hours per week and limiting working hours to 6 consecutive days," etc., and all sites are operating and monitoring accordingly. In cases where employees work more than 60 hours a week or more than 6 days in a row, we take measures to prevent recurrence by creating a "Violation / Countermeasure Report."In addition, As part of human rights due diligence (① identifying adverse impacts on human rights, and ② preventing and mitigating adverse impacts on human rights), we have been conducting RBA-based labor and human rights self-assessments at all sites on a regular basis (every other year) since FY2020, evaluating risks related to human rights, labor, etc., and carrying out improvement and corrective activities based on feedback. Regarding non-compliance, we have created corrective action plans (including root causes, improvement measures, preventive measures, deadlines, etc.) and are working to reduce risks.

TAIYO YUDEN Group does not have any significant human rights issues. We have TAIYO YUDEN Group has listed 8 important themes in our Labor and Human Rights Management Policy and Compliance Matters which are child Labor, forced labor, health and safety, freedom of association, discrimination, inhumane treatment, appropriate working hours, and compensation/Wages.

In FY2023, we conducted remote internal audits at our domestic sites (13 sites) using RBA as the base [Labor/Labor Management System]. We also conducted on-site internal audits at our overseas manufacturing sites (Korea, China, Philippines, and Malaysia) (in FY2021, we conducted them remotely due to COVID-19). All 33 issues pointed out have been corrected. Regarding non-conformities, we create corrective action plans (including root causes, improvement measures, preventive measures, deadlines, etc.) and work to reduce risks.

Implementation of internal audit

Past findings

In order to increase employees' understanding of issues related to "respect for human rights and appropriate labor conditions", TAIYO YUDEN Group regularly provides employee training, particularly on the prohibition of child labor and forced labor, discrimination and inhumane treatment.

In FY2023, we will continue to conduct periodic training (including the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, human rights policy, harassment prevention, sexual orientation, etc.), and for employees in Japan and shared the learning materials (including the English version) with all sites.
In addition, we conducted regular specialized training through e-learning for employees in the labor and human rights department in Japan.

TAIYO YUDEN Group (including overseas production plants) concludes agreements on human rights and labor and conducts regular evaluations such as audits and corrective actions with employment agencies, contractors and security / cafeteria / cleaning personnel (on-site) etc.

In FY2023, 146 companies signed agreements, 86 cases were pointed out through audits, etc., and the correction rate was 100.0%.

TAIYO YUDEN Group prohibits discrimination and inhumane treatment. We respect the individuality of employees and prohibit discrimination based on nationality, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or other attributes. Furthermore, in order to prevent all forms of harassment, we provide training to employees on a regular basis to increase their understanding of the issue.

TAIYO YUDEN Group regularly shares information about its support and consideration for people with disabilities and foreign workers. In addition, we have taken measures to reduce discrimination by monitoring through the Monthly Report on Human Rights and Labor.

In addition, TAIYO YUDEN Group (including overseas production plants) has an advisory service for employees at each base to prevent harassment. We provide contact information during orientation (for new employees and mid-career hires) and regular training. In FY2023, Taiyo Yuden conducted harassment prevention training (3,340 people took the e-learning course and 384 people took the management/supervisor training course).

For example, we give consideration to employees' religious customs by making a prayer room available for Muslim employees. We also provide advisory services for employees to use as necessary.
Also, we provide periodic human rights guidance to security guards, particularly with a focus on preventing incidents of harassment.

TAIYO YUDEN extends welfare benefits to all employees, regardless of whether they are employed on a regular or non-regular basis, such as health checkups and other medical care programs, compensation for workplace injuries and illnesses, and childcare and family care leave.

TAIYO YUDEN Group is committed to the prohibition of child labor and forced labor.
To prevent child labor violations, each site confirms that prospective new hires have reached the legal working age before an offer of employment is made.
Also, the company presents the employment terms and conditions (which comply with local laws and regulations as well as international rules) to each prospective new hire and confirms their agreement before an employment contract is signed.

In case of personnel transfer requiring a change of residence, the company notifies the relevant employee and the labor union of the planned transfer at least one month in advance, in principle. If the labor union files an objection to any specific transfer questioning the appropriateness of the assignment or assignee or raising other issues, the company consults with the union to seek its agreement regarding the transfer.

Compliance rate: 100% in all countries and regions

TAIYO YUDEN Group ensures that each site complies with applicable statutory standards for working hours, number of workdays, and holidays while understanding and working to satisfy the working conditions required by the RBA Code of Conduct.

Each site manages employees' working hours accurately with a highly reliable system, complies with applicable local laws and regulations regarding compensation, such as minimum wages and equal pay for equal work for men and women, and pays fair wages to each employee based on their performance. Also, we offer a range of leave programs, including paid leave as well as childcare and family care leave, and encourage employees to use the programs appropriately according to their needs and family situation. We are also working to prevent overwork and reduce overtime hours.

Recognizing the importance of maintaining relationships based on mutual trust between employer and employees in order to facilitate business activities, TAIYO YUDEN Group creates opportunities for employer-employee communication, such as opinion exchange sessions.

Based on the policy of enabling "job satisfaction, a purposeful life, and a comfortable lifestyle," TAIYO YUDEN is working together with the labor union to improve the workplace environment.
When major changes are being made to operating practices, the company and the union hold discussions at meetings of the Central Labor-Management Council. In pursuit of common goals to achieve the ongoing development of the company, the Labor-Management Exploratory Committee holds meetings to discuss issues related to working conditions and the workplace environment. The company and union have concluded a collective labor agreement regarding occupational health and safety, based on which issues are discussed and examined. When engaging in collective bargaining, the company and the union observe agreed-on provisions setting forth the notification period and consultation and negotiation rules, engage respectfully with one another, and act in good faith and in an orderly manner.

Labor Union at TAIYO YUDEN

Number of members: 2,742
Participation rate (out of the entire workforce): 81.9% (as of the end of FY2023)