Clariant supports freedom of association. As part of this, it respects the right of employees to join unions and to be represented by representatives of these unions internally and externally in accordance with the applicable national or local laws and practices. The same standard is applicable for suppliers. As laid down in the Code of Conduct for Suppliers, they must observe the right of their employees to strike and to be members of trade unions. Clariant knows of no cases in which freedom of association or the right to collective bargaining have been seriously jeopardized or even breached.