Follow up SBM & FNV on Birma
After concerns raised by labour union FNV about the possible use of forced labour, an NCP procedure took place in the fall of 2001 with SBM Offshore (formerly IHC Caland) about her business activity in Burma (see final statement 2004). SBM decided then not to develop further activities in Burma.
In addition the company sent a letter to their principal about adherence to the OECD Guidelines. The company also joined the union in a visit to the Burmese ambassador in London to speak about the human rights situation in Burma.
In the spring of 2010, both parties met again with support of the Dutch NCP. The meeting gave FNV and SBM the opportunity to discuss responsible business conduct in Burma. Both parties were satisfied to renew the agreements made in 2004.
This conversation took place as a follow-up activity on the notification in 2004. There was no new notification of a possible breach of the OECD Guidelines. For the Dutch NCP this was a start of a new working method through which companies and NGOs stay in a dialogue to exchange views about responsible business activities.
SBM has worked to contribute to a ban on the use of forced labour in Burma for the last 10 years. The company regularly carries out a Social Accountability Audit. It intends to make the outcome thereof available, thereby offering more information on the compliance with OECD Guidelines by SBM in Burma. SBM shall enter into discussions with its principal again with regard to the OECD Guidelines. Furthermore, the company is willing to visit the Burma Ambassador in London to again insist with the regime on compliance, together with the FNV union.