Proxy voting encourages corporations to align their business practices with our values and concerns. Addressing social issues through proxy voting affirms the commitment of the Sisters of Mercy to “develop and act from a multicultural and international perspective,” "work for systemic change," and "practice non-violence."
Women and underrepresented persons have long been subject to discrimination in the workplace, including as part of management and other high-income positions, whether through failure of promotion or hire. Companies are required to file federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) reports with the federal government, reporting the diversity composition of their workforce at different levels.
- We support resolutions regarding equal employment opportunity and the elimination of discrimination against underrepresented persons.
- We support resolutions seeking company disclosure of EEO report filings or calling on companies to report compliance with EEO mandates.
Treatment of workers is an important element of corporate social responsibility. Workers should be treated fairly, no matter their location, and be provided with fair wages and safe working conditions. Companies should not participate in the use of forced labor, human trafficking, child labor or the exploitation of poor persons.
- We support resolutions asking companies to adopt and/or report on codes of conduct addressing global labor and human rights practices.
- We support resolutions requesting companies to avoid exploitative labor practices, including child labor, human trafficking and other forms of forced labor.
- We support resolutions calling companies to commit to safe workplaces.
Similarly, companies who use offshore vendors as part of the production of their products can have a significant impact on workers if they do not have satisfactory workplace practices and conditions. Examples include sweatshop conditions, inadequate wages, forced labor and child labor.
- We support resolutions calling on companies to adopt codes of conduct regarding vendor/supplier workplace practices and/or report on compliance with codes.
Access to healthcare is a basic human right, and its accessibility and affordability is a worldwide challenge. In the United States, many lack health insurance coverage and are unable to afford even basic healthcare to avoid or treat illness. In the developing world, medications to treat life-threatening diseases such as HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria are unavailable and costly. There are numerous initiatives to address the affordability and access issues in developing countries, and it is essential that pharmaceutical companies be active participants in ensuring these drugs are available.
- We support resolutions calling on pharmaceutical companies to take steps to make drugs more affordable and accessible for treatment of serious diseases in developing countries.
- We support resolutions calling on companies to support reform of the United States health system to be more just and accessible.
Access to capital on fair terms is essential to economic justice and realizing economic opportunity in our society. Lenders may engage in unfair lending practices, such as excessive fees, unaffordable rates of interest and unfair payback terms, for those unable to afford the loan or understand its terms and conditions.
- We support resolutions calling on companies to report and/or eliminate predatory lending practices.
- We support resolutions that promote fair and equal credit opportunity and access to capital.
Sustainability has become a major focus of shareholders to assure that their companies are anticipating and addressing environmental, social and governance issues in their operations. Producing a sustainability report demonstrates that the company is aware, managing its business risks, and focusing on its long-term viability.
- We support resolutions asking companies to prepare sustainability reports, including reports in accordance with the Global Reporting Standards or other reasonable standards.
As stated by the American Red Cross, “the greater availability of arms, the greater the violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.” Weapons sold in one country can result in a threat of security to many people and countries, well beyond the borders of the buying country.
- We support resolutions requesting companies to issue reports which increase transparency on issues such as foreign military sales and space-based weapons.
- We support resolutions calling on companies to adopt ethical criteria for military contracts.
- We support resolutions that are intended to result in the reduction and/or elimination of handguns, cluster bombs, landmines and other weapons.
