Anti-economic and unrealistic - this is how some opponents view the Concert Responsibility Initiative. However, many entrepreneurs see this differently. Samuel Schweizer, for example, who successfully runs a family business in the metal construction sector. For him, the initiative creates justice between responsible and irresponsible companies. "Swiss Made" would no longer only stand for high quality, but also for high responsibility.
Ernst Schweizer AG has decided to support the Corporate Responsibility Initiative (Kovi). Why?
We have anchored sustainability as a vision for our company, i.e. the simultaneous and equal consideration of social, ecological and economic concerns, in our mission statement since 1978. It is clear to us that business and companies have a social and ecological responsibility. Compliance with human rights and international environmental standards is the absolute minimum.
Was it necessary to have many internal discussions?
This initiative simply corresponds to our "DNA". Accordingly, the concern has been very well received by the management right from the start.
The instrument that provides for the Kovi is the due diligence system. What would this change for Ernst Schweizer AG?
A supplier management with a supplier evaluation is common practice today. It is also required by quality management certifications such as ISO 9001 and 14001 (environment) and OHSAS 18001 (occupational safety). This means that strategic suppliers in the company are checked and approved. Only with a supplier evaluation can a company ensure that quality, deadlines and requirements for health, safety at work etc. are met. The initiative adds new aspects, specifically human rights and the environment. However, a completely new system is not necessary. Supplier assessments are already standard in the industry today. New aspects will simply be added. Overall, the adoption of the initiative would not change much for our company.
There is a view that states are responsible for ensuring that human rights and environmental standards are respected, not companies. How do you see that?
Respecting human rights and protecting the environment is a task for society as a whole. Of course, the state has an important role to play here, but private individuals and companies also bear responsibility for this.
Why is the Kovi necessary from a business point of view?
The corporate responsibility initiative will strengthen Swissness, especially in exposed sectors. "Swiss Made" would no longer only stand for high quality, but also for high responsibility. Unfortunately, Switzerland has had to experience in the past that sensitive sectors were insufficiently regulated and international trends were overslept.
Finally, the initiative creates justice between responsible and irresponsible companies. The entire economy and society benefits if no one can make a profit in the short term at the expense of people and the environment.
One fear is that companies should be held liable for things over which they have no control. Value and supply chains can be complicated. Doesn't that make you a little nervous?
The liability only applies to subsidiaries, not to suppliers. Although the Federal Council has clearly stated this, it is repeatedly misrepresented by its opponents. Although there is an obligation to avoid human rights and environmental risks via the supply chain, a liability mechanism does not exist. On the other hand, the liability mechanism for subsidiaries is necessary and is based on a more proven legal mechanism: liability with proof of due diligence. The Swiss Code of Obligations recognizes this mechanism, for example, in the case of principal's liability.
Critical voices say that the possibilities of influence and control outside one's own company structure are limited. After all, you are not authorised to issue directives. How do you see that?
As a customer, you certainly have influence over your suppliers, all the more so if suppliers realize that many such demands will come from Swiss companies after the initiative is accepted. In practice, smaller suppliers will be assessed by means of a self-declaration, while medium-sized and large suppliers or suppliers of critical materials will be assessed by means of detailed information and, in certain cases, an on-site audit. With these supplier assessments, we also examine the quality, environmental and social management. This differentiated supplier assessment (depending on the risk) is an expression of the principle of proportionality, which is after all anchored in the initiative.
There are fears that the "legalization" of corporate responsibility will lead to a hardening of fronts, so that companies will no longer engage in constructive dialogue with NGOs. Do you agree with this?
The initiative will help to clarify what can be expected as a minimum standard. This minimum standard will become binding. Companies will have an interest in discussing these issues with relevant stakeholders, including NGOs. I am therefore convinced that the existing dialogues will be continued. At the same time, companies that have so far closed the dialogue will also be asking themselves these questions. This is positive.
How do suppliers react to your specifications and requirements?
We are observing a global trend towards greater responsibility in the economy. This is why such concerns are hardly ever met with incomprehension.
Does Ernst Schweizer AG have a competitive advantage by assuming corporate responsibility?
Sustainable corporate management has certainly become part of our brand core. This can be an advantage when awarding contracts in certain cases. It also has positive effects on the attractiveness of employers.
If so, this advantage would disappear with the new legal requirements. Why do you want that?
The initiative creates a minimum standard. There is more than enough room to continue profiling itself as a responsible company. In addition, the initiative leads to a strengthening of Swissness, especially in exposed sectors. "Swiss Made" would no longer only stand for high quality, but also for a high level of responsibility.
