Taking a stand for NCC's Code of Conduct

NCC has a Code of Conduct and a Supplier Code of Conduct that is very clear. All our employees, our subcontractors and their employees shall have fair conditions when they work in our projects. The construction industry should be characterized by fair conditions and healthy competition. A competition that challenges and sharpens us, and from which our desire to always deliver on or above our customers’ expectations can be derived. 

Last week we took the unusual decision to end the contract with a subcontractor in a large project in Gothenburg well ahead of plan. We were alerted to what could be a serious breach of our code of conduct and of what we expect from companies and individuals we work with. We did an internal investigation and came to the conclusion that it was conclusive enough that the contractor had violated our Code of Conduct. From that point the decision was easy. Contractors who do behave unethically towards their employees should not be in the industry. We deeply regret that the subcontractor's employees will be affected when the collaboration ends, and at the same time we are sure that we have made the right decision.

I want to highlight this, because I believe that the vast majority of the companies and individuals in this business want to do the right thing. The industry has evolved. But we need to stay vigilant, and act when needed.