A message from Dr. Adriane Rinsche, Managing Director of LTC

It seems like only yesterday that I penned a letter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon pledging LTC’s support to the UN Global Compact. It is hard to believe that two years have passed since then, and in light of the changing state of the world economy, LTC quickly adapted to the economic landscape by implementing cost-efficient and eco-friendly business solutions and operational practices. Even in difficult times, companies, including small enterprises like ours, must take a leadership role to implement sustainable and socially responsible practices, as well as promote a healthy workforce. With the support of our management team, staff and network of consultants, LTC managed to grow during a time of adversity, creating new jobs and giving security to our employees.

The Global Compact’s Communication of Progress (COP) allows us to take stock of where we are in terms of our efforts to be a socially responsible company. LTC continues to maintain good practices with regard to labor and environmental principles, both internally and with our external stakeholders. LTC recognizes that the protection of human rights and anti-corruption efforts are complex issues, which, in order to be addressed, require a collaborative industry-wide approach. LTC stands ready to support individual and collective initiatives to improve human rights and the respect of the rule of law. As Managing Director, I am proud to reaffirm LTC’s support of the Global Compact and its ten principles. In the year ahead, LTC hopes to implement stronger metrics to measure the impact of our social and environmental efforts, as well as to see the language industry provide its unique expertise to support the implementation of the UN Global Compact.

Dr. Adriane Rinsche
Managing Director, LTC

LTC is committed to internationally recognized human rights principles and protection of workers’ rights, as described in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and will take efforts to address any issues related to complicity in the abuse of human rights as necessary.

LTC maintains a highly skilled and highly educated workforce and contractor network. In addition to respecting the rights of its employees, LTC is committed to applying those same standards to its third-party contractors. LTC continues to implement a strict code of conduct that provides for grievance procedures, remediation of violations and appropriate communication measures to ensure that all parties understand their rights in the workplace.

LTC remains committed to respecting international and national standards with regard to worker rights, including fair and lawful employment practices and workplace safety. LTC communicates relevant information to its employees on employee benefits and rights. LTC respects an employee’s freedom of association and right to collective bargaining. As a small and specialized company with a highly skilled workforce, LTC is confident that neither forced or compulsory labor, child labor nor other exploitative labor practices exist within its supply chain.

LTC is proud to be a woman-owned company that maintains a diverse workforce. LTC supports gender equity and employs an equal amount of men and women from a wide variety of national and ethnic backgrounds. LTC does not discriminate in its employment practices and employs on the grounds of individual ability in the subject matter.

LTC is a pioneer in a number of initiatives that are considered important steps to reduce the carbon footprint and improve work-life balance. LTC supports a precautionary approach to environmental challenges and does its part primarily through environmentally friendly technologies. For example, LTC supports a telecommuting work policy that has allowed over 30% of its employees and 100% of its contractors to work remotely, saving travel time and energy use. While LTC maintains a core staff present at its headquarters, all LTC employees can and may work from home where possible.

Owing to LTC’s innovative software, development of which started in-house some 15 years ago, LTC has been able to conduct its business in an environmentally friendly manner. LTC registers all business information through its online business intelligence system and has been able to considerably reduce the use of paper. Employees are also encouraged to use as little paper as possible. LTC recycles all paper products and utilizes recycled paper products where available. LTC has also introduced the use of energy-saving light bulbs and puts great emphasis on energy efficiency when making purchasing decisions.

Prompted by the Global Compact, LTC implemented an official ‘green’ policy in 2010 and plans to formalize relevant initiatives in 2011. Another plan for 2011 is the development of methods to track, measure and improve LTC’s environmental impact.

LTC does not condone any corruption or bribery practices and maintains transparent accounting practices with voluntary annual audits. In its twenty-year history, LTC has never been complicit in any corruption or bribery charges of any kind. Furthermore, LTC is not aware of or has had any reports of such practices in its supply chain or by its clients. LTC will take efforts to address any issues related to corruption or bribery as necessary.