Leigh Clifford - no stranger to difficult matters.
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Leigh Clifford - no stranger to difficult matters.
It seems the Chairman of Qantas had some interesting issues to deal with in his Rio Tinto days. The current industrial action at Qantas must seem like a minor tiff.
This is from a long investigative article published yesterday by Al Jazeera:
First Chapter here:
The blacklisting of Rio Tinto - Opinion - Al Jazeera English
This then leads to a report by a Group Called "Global Witness" into the relationship between the companies concerned, one of which was Rio, and the less than salubrious activities (Allegedly including rape and murder) of the Indonesian Army which were committed in support of the company.
http://www.globalwitness.org/sites/d...Protection.pdf
Global Witness |
One therefore has to wonder if the Norwegian Government was over reacting?
To be fair to Rio, they make a case that they are on the side of the angels.
The Grassberg venture is discussed in more detail.
Non managed operations - Rio Tinto
One also wonders if Mr. Clifford will have any success in bringing Rio's ethical standards to Qantas? It appears that he has his work cut out for him according to Pprune comments.
http://www.riotinto.com/documents/The_way_we_work.pdf
* A Qantas upgrade for a Politician? What the Fcuk do you think it's for?
This is from a long investigative article published yesterday by Al Jazeera:
Blacklisted
On September 9, 2008, amid the turmoil of the global financial crisis, the Norwegian government announced that it had liquidated its entire $1bn investment in Rio Tinto for "grossly unethical conduct". Operating the second largest fund in the world, the Norwegians' decision focused solely on the Grasberg mine in West Papua on New Guinea, which it believed posed the "unacceptable risk" of contributing to "severe environmental damage" if it were to continue funding the Anglo-Australian mining giant.
Rio Tinto had been blacklisted.
The following day, Rio Tinto's official statement relayed that the company was "surprised and disappointed", given both its recognised leadership in environmental sustainability and its noncontrolling interest in the Grasberg mine. As with most claims of sustainability, the truth is otherwise.
from Chapter 4:
...........On March 23, 2004, Rio Tinto announced it had sold its 11.9 per cent shareholding in Freeport. Rio Tinto made a $518m profit. Citing no environmental or social reasons, Rio Tinto's then-chief executive Leigh Clifford reassured shareholders that "the sale of [Freeport] does not affect the terms of the joint venture nor the management of the Grasberg mine" and that through "our significant direct interest in Grasberg, we will continue to benefit from our relationship with Freeport". (Sunfish note: Rio still participated because it had a joint venture with Freeport Indonesia.)
Rio Tinto remained committed to the mining of Grasberg and would continue overseeing its management through various operating and technical committees.
Sensational claims that illegal payments to individual soldiers, units, and policemen had been routinely made to secure the Grasberg complex and its staff came to light in 2005.
On September 9, 2008, amid the turmoil of the global financial crisis, the Norwegian government announced that it had liquidated its entire $1bn investment in Rio Tinto for "grossly unethical conduct". Operating the second largest fund in the world, the Norwegians' decision focused solely on the Grasberg mine in West Papua on New Guinea, which it believed posed the "unacceptable risk" of contributing to "severe environmental damage" if it were to continue funding the Anglo-Australian mining giant.
Rio Tinto had been blacklisted.
The following day, Rio Tinto's official statement relayed that the company was "surprised and disappointed", given both its recognised leadership in environmental sustainability and its noncontrolling interest in the Grasberg mine. As with most claims of sustainability, the truth is otherwise.
from Chapter 4:
...........On March 23, 2004, Rio Tinto announced it had sold its 11.9 per cent shareholding in Freeport. Rio Tinto made a $518m profit. Citing no environmental or social reasons, Rio Tinto's then-chief executive Leigh Clifford reassured shareholders that "the sale of [Freeport] does not affect the terms of the joint venture nor the management of the Grasberg mine" and that through "our significant direct interest in Grasberg, we will continue to benefit from our relationship with Freeport". (Sunfish note: Rio still participated because it had a joint venture with Freeport Indonesia.)
Rio Tinto remained committed to the mining of Grasberg and would continue overseeing its management through various operating and technical committees.
Sensational claims that illegal payments to individual soldiers, units, and policemen had been routinely made to secure the Grasberg complex and its staff came to light in 2005.
First Chapter here:
The blacklisting of Rio Tinto - Opinion - Al Jazeera English
This then leads to a report by a Group Called "Global Witness" into the relationship between the companies concerned, one of which was Rio, and the less than salubrious activities (Allegedly including rape and murder) of the Indonesian Army which were committed in support of the company.
http://www.globalwitness.org/sites/d...Protection.pdf
Global Witness |
One therefore has to wonder if the Norwegian Government was over reacting?
To be fair to Rio, they make a case that they are on the side of the angels.
Rio Tinto holds interests in companies and ventures it does not manage. However, we engage as members of the boards of directors operating committees and/or technical committees. Because we believe that the principles in The way we work are universal, in our dealings with joint venture partners and non-controlled companies we make every effort to ensure that those standards of conduct are respected at all times.
The Grassberg venture is discussed in more detail.
Non managed operations - Rio Tinto
One also wonders if Mr. Clifford will have any success in bringing Rio's ethical standards to Qantas? It appears that he has his work cut out for him according to Pprune comments.
http://www.riotinto.com/documents/The_way_we_work.pdf
"Rio Tinto’s reputation for acting responsibly plays a critical role in our success as a business and our ability to generate shareholder value.
Our reputation stems from our four core values, which define the essence of who we are and who we will be: Accountability, Respect, Teamwork and integrity.
These values are expressed through the principles and standards of conduct set out in The way we work. They define the way we manage the economic, social and environmental challenges of our operations and are important to fulfilling our commitment to contribute to sustainable development.
Actions speak louder than words. The behaviour of each and every one of us will influence how well we perform and how the world views Rio Tinto. The way we work is our conscience. Our conduct will bring about a success that we can all be proud to share – and one that everyone notices.
By working according to our values we will help sustain long term business success by encouraging more effective relationships and stimulating deeper contributions to our local communities."
One wonders, for example, how Qantas could survive if it adopted this Rio rule:
"Gifts and entertainment Gifts and entertainment given and received as a reward or encouragement for preferential treatment are not allowed. In certain circumstances, the giving and receiving of modest gifts and entertainment is perfectly acceptable. A business meal, for example, can provide a relaxed way of exchanging information. Nonetheless, depending on their size, frequency, and the circumstances in which they are given, they may constitute bribes, political payments or undue influence.
The key test we must apply is whether gifts or entertainment could be intended, or even be reasonably interpreted, as a reward or encouragement for a favour or preferential treatment.* If the answer is yes, they are prohibited under Rio Tinto policy. Exchanges of gifts and entertainment, including the payment of travel expenses, must be in accordance with.......
"
Our reputation stems from our four core values, which define the essence of who we are and who we will be: Accountability, Respect, Teamwork and integrity.
These values are expressed through the principles and standards of conduct set out in The way we work. They define the way we manage the economic, social and environmental challenges of our operations and are important to fulfilling our commitment to contribute to sustainable development.
Actions speak louder than words. The behaviour of each and every one of us will influence how well we perform and how the world views Rio Tinto. The way we work is our conscience. Our conduct will bring about a success that we can all be proud to share – and one that everyone notices.
By working according to our values we will help sustain long term business success by encouraging more effective relationships and stimulating deeper contributions to our local communities."
One wonders, for example, how Qantas could survive if it adopted this Rio rule:
"Gifts and entertainment Gifts and entertainment given and received as a reward or encouragement for preferential treatment are not allowed. In certain circumstances, the giving and receiving of modest gifts and entertainment is perfectly acceptable. A business meal, for example, can provide a relaxed way of exchanging information. Nonetheless, depending on their size, frequency, and the circumstances in which they are given, they may constitute bribes, political payments or undue influence.
The key test we must apply is whether gifts or entertainment could be intended, or even be reasonably interpreted, as a reward or encouragement for a favour or preferential treatment.* If the answer is yes, they are prohibited under Rio Tinto policy. Exchanges of gifts and entertainment, including the payment of travel expenses, must be in accordance with.......
"
Last edited by Sunfish; 19th Oct 2011 at 18:57.
Standards of Conduct
Good work Sunfish; there are many issues which arise from your post.
In the detail you have dug out, a paragraph sticks out in terms of Standards of Conduct (Business ethics)
"Non managed operations
Rio Tinto holds interests in companies and ventures it does not manage. However, we engage as members of the boards of directors operating committees and/or technical committees. Because we believe that the principles in The way we work are universal, in our dealings with joint venture partners and non-controlled companies we make every effort to ensure that those standards of conduct are respected at all times. "
So it would appera that Mr Leigh Clifford as RioTinto Chairman would make "every effort" to ensure a Rio Tinto Non managed operation would have a high standard of conduct,
but
Mr Leigh Clifford, Qantas Chairman seems to have a different view when it comes to offshore non-managed overseas operations of Air Pacific (Services Decree) and Jetstar (Thai based cabin crew exploitation) etc.
SB
In the detail you have dug out, a paragraph sticks out in terms of Standards of Conduct (Business ethics)
"Non managed operations
Rio Tinto holds interests in companies and ventures it does not manage. However, we engage as members of the boards of directors operating committees and/or technical committees. Because we believe that the principles in The way we work are universal, in our dealings with joint venture partners and non-controlled companies we make every effort to ensure that those standards of conduct are respected at all times. "
So it would appera that Mr Leigh Clifford as RioTinto Chairman would make "every effort" to ensure a Rio Tinto Non managed operation would have a high standard of conduct,
but
Mr Leigh Clifford, Qantas Chairman seems to have a different view when it comes to offshore non-managed overseas operations of Air Pacific (Services Decree) and Jetstar (Thai based cabin crew exploitation) etc.
SB
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Clifford and Corporate Immorality
Clifford is an elitist and is perfect example of the dysfunctional personalities that now infect the financial and corporate world.He has scant regard for Qantas or its employees.If Qantas fails Clifford will escape unscathed and fade into retirement with millions.
The "occupy wall street' movement is gathering momentum throughout the western world.It can only be hoped that it brings about a revolution whereby Clifford and his ilk are removed and relegated to the dustbin of history.Sociopaths have a lack of empathy,a grand sense of self entitlement and abolutely no remorse or introspection...sound familiar?
The "occupy wall street' movement is gathering momentum throughout the western world.It can only be hoped that it brings about a revolution whereby Clifford and his ilk are removed and relegated to the dustbin of history.Sociopaths have a lack of empathy,a grand sense of self entitlement and abolutely no remorse or introspection...sound familiar?
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Leigh Clifford is also a director of Bechtel Australia.
Bechtel is the company that tried to privatise the Bolivian water resources for their profit at the expense of the poor. A quote from " " By John Perkins ( )
Source: (The Secret History of the American Empire, John Perkins p123-124 google books link, read online chapter 22)
More information & background can be found here: Cochabamba protests Wikipedia.
Bechtel is the company that tried to privatise the Bolivian water resources for their profit at the expense of the poor. A quote from " " By John Perkins ( )
John Perkins
"They're faced with the choice between water and food", a Quechua organiser told me. "The gringos want more profits. Boliviians are dying of thirst. They're told they can't even collect rain water, that their contract with SEMAPA requires them to pay Bechtel for any water they consume"
The citizens of Cochabamba rebelled. Boycotts shut down the city for four straight days in January 2000. Mobs threatened to storm SEMAPA's offices. Bechtel demanded protection. Bolivian President Hugo Banzar acquiesced and mobilizied the army. In the violence that followed, dozens of Aymara and Quechua were wounded and a seventeen-year-old boy was shot to death.
Fearing a full blown revolution, President Banzar finally imposed martial law. Then, after reportedly meeting with US embassy officials, he announced that he would nullify the Bechtel contract. In April 2000 Bechtel abandoned its operations at SEMAPA
"They're faced with the choice between water and food", a Quechua organiser told me. "The gringos want more profits. Boliviians are dying of thirst. They're told they can't even collect rain water, that their contract with SEMAPA requires them to pay Bechtel for any water they consume"
The citizens of Cochabamba rebelled. Boycotts shut down the city for four straight days in January 2000. Mobs threatened to storm SEMAPA's offices. Bechtel demanded protection. Bolivian President Hugo Banzar acquiesced and mobilizied the army. In the violence that followed, dozens of Aymara and Quechua were wounded and a seventeen-year-old boy was shot to death.
Fearing a full blown revolution, President Banzar finally imposed martial law. Then, after reportedly meeting with US embassy officials, he announced that he would nullify the Bechtel contract. In April 2000 Bechtel abandoned its operations at SEMAPA
More information & background can be found here: Cochabamba protests Wikipedia.
