Ethos pays special attention to shareholder resolutions relating to social and environmental concerns. It supports all resolutions which contribute to both the success of a business and the long-term interests of its shareholders as well all its other stakeholders.
During 2000 various resolutions of a social or environmental nature were put forward, in particular in the United States and the United Kingdom (*).
Resolutions covering social concerns related to the promotion and the respect of quality standards at work (AIG, Home Depot, Wal-Mart) as well as the respect of human rights (Microsoft, Procter & Gamble).
In the area of the environment, several resolutions related to limiting oil prospecting in the Arctic (BP Amoco, Exxon Mobil).
Finally, thirty-three American churches lodged resolutions demanding a moratorium on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the food industry (McDonald's, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble).
It is interesting to note that most of these resolutions received between 5 and 15% of the votes cast, an exceptional result which should set alarm bells ringing for the managements of the companies concerned.
*A summarized version of the main resolutions (including their respective scores) may be obtained from the ethos Foundation by phoning +41 22 716 15 55.
