Equal Opportunities

As a global company, WACKER operates in international markets and multicultural environments. Holding each employee’s skills and dedication in high regard, we see diversity as an enrichment. We oppose unequal treatment or disparagement on account of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation or age. These principles are valid across the WACKER Group and, as part of our corporate culture, are embodied in our Code of Conduct.

In 2007, we required all employees at our German sites – from the Executive Board down to standard-payscale employees – to familiarize themselves with Germany’s General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) by completing an e-learning course.

Special arrangements are in place to help and promote WACKER employees who are disabled or suffer from long-term occupational disabilities. In 2008, the Domestic Group’s annual average of disabled employees was 733 (2007: 690). Accounting for 6.3% of WACKER’s workforce (2007: 6.1%), this figure was well above the legally prescribed German rate of 5%. Even so, we had to pay a low compensatory levy, as not every subsidiary achieved the 5% target. Over a third of WACKER’s disabled employees were aged between 55 and 59.

Representatives of WACKER’s disabled employees play a key role in finding suitable positions for anyone with a long-term occupational disability. WACKER also supports severely disabled people who cannot find work on the general job market, e.g. via collaborative ventures with workshops for the disabled. Our Burghausen site, for instance, sources key products – such as mounting plates and angle bars – from the charitable Ruperti workshops in nearby Altötting.

Equal treatment applies to both men and women at WACKER. It goes without saying that we offer equal opportunities to all employees, regardless of their gender. This approach applies to compensation, too. The amount earned reflects each job’s specific demands and responsibilities. WACKER is trying to increase the number of female executives. The Cross Mentoring program serves this purpose. To interest girls in such vocations as electronics specialist or industrial mechanic, we take part in the Girls’ Day event held throughout Germany.