This statement relates to Mastercard Inc. (‘Mastercard’) and addresses the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the ‘Act’).
Section 54 of the Act requires certain organizations to develop a slavery and human trafficking statement each year. The slavery and human trafficking statement should set out what steps organizations have taken to ensure modern slavery is not taking place in their business or supply chains.
Introduction
We are a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Our products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone.
Our success is tied in part to the trust that people place in us to deliver our products and services in the right way – so for us, acting ethically and responsibly is not only the right thing to do, but also the right way to do business. We have a Code of Conduct that reflects these core values and serves as an important guide for our choices and actions.
Our stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “MA” and our website is www.mastercard.com. Our global headquarters are in Purchase, NY, USA, and we have regional headquarters in each of Asia/Pacific, Europe, Latin America/Caribbean, Middle East & Africa and North America.
Code of Conduct
We have a Code of Conduct which sets out our commitment to ensuring that our employees are treated fairly and with dignity. We recognize that our employees’ continuing success as individuals, colleagues and a company depends on all of us treating each other with respect and upholding the highest professional and ethical standards.
We do not use, and we expect our suppliers not to use, slave labor, indentured labor, forced or compulsory labor.
All of our employees are required to attest to the Code of Conduct on an annual basis.
In addition, we have Whistleblower Procedures in place to encourage employees to speak up or raise concerns when they see conduct which could be viewed as dishonest, unethical or unlawful.
Employment Policies
Our employment policies comply with relevant labor laws. In addition, we provide equal opportunities in employment and employees are treated fairly regardless of any non-vocational distinction such as age, gender (including gender reassignment), marital status, civil partnership status, sexual preference, disability, color, nationality, race or ethnic origin or religion or belief.
Supplier Policies on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
We have policies in place which include provisions that generally require our suppliers to abide by labor laws, operate in a manner consistent with principles of human rights and not use forced labor, whether in the form of prison labor, indentured labor, bonded labor, or otherwise. These policies are primarily set out in our Supplier Code of Conduct with which suppliers are expected to comply.
The Supplier Code of Conduct documents the principles, guidelines and expectations for establishing and maintaining a business relationship with us. We are committed to partnerships with suppliers that share our dedication to conducting business in a legal, ethical, and socially responsible manner.
Our Supplier Code of Conduct includes guidelines requiring suppliers to be committed to high standards of ethical conduct when dealing with workers, their suppliers, customer and other third parties. Suppliers are also expected to be committed to and have respect for the protection and preservation of human rights. Supplier’s values and business principles must be consistent with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Suppliers are expected to comply with applicable international and local legal requirements in their countries of operation.
Our standard supplier contracts require our Suppliers and their staff to act in accordance with our Supplier Code of Conduct.
Human Rights / Labor and Employment Laws
Suppliers must be committed to and have respect for the protection and preservation of human rights. While it is the responsibility of each supplier to define its own policy and approach to the issue of human rights, suppliers’ values and business principles must be consistent with that of Mastercard and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Suppliers are expected to comply with applicable international and local legal requirements in their countries of operation.
Forced Labor
Suppliers must not use forced labor, whether in the form of prison labor, indentured labor, bonded labor, or otherwise.
Child Labor
Suppliers must not use child labor. Suppliers are required to comply with applicable child labor laws and employ only workers who meet the applicable minimum legal age requirement in their countries of operation.
Conclusion
We are proud of our stance as an ethical company which believes in doing well by doing good for society. We endorse the principles of the Act and have a number of policies in place which include provisions designed to eradicate modern slavery from our business and supply chains.
This statement is made in accordance with Section 54 of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 on behalf of the companies listed below for the financial year ending December 31, 2016.
Mastercard Payment Gateway Services Limited
Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Limited
Mastercard Europe Services Ltd
