Northrop Grumman published its 2024 Anti-Human Trafficking and Slavery Statement, detailing comprehensive measures to prevent modern slavery in its operations and supply chains. The statement outlines robust employee training programs, strict supplier due diligence, and contractual safeguards to ensure adherence to ethical labor practices and human rights.

A federal judge partially dismissed worker discrimination claims against Northrop Grumman, ruling that the worker had failed to exhaust necessary administrative remedies for religious, disability, and age-related claims.

On September 23, 2024, IBEW 1245, in collaboration with other unions like the Machinists, Carpenters, and Teamsters, ratified a six-year labor agreement with Northrop Grumman that includes wage increases, improved allowances, and maintained health benefits, marking a positive advancement for workers’ rights.

Northrop Grumman’s political activities—including nearly $11 million spent on federal lobbying, significant contributions to defense-related think tanks, and the CEO’s public alignment with US government fiscal priorities—prompt concerns over the misalignment between its stated Human Rights Policy and its actions supporting controversial arms and militarization practices.

Northrop Grumman outlines its human rights policy commitment emphasizing dignity, respect, and equality across its stakeholders. The policy reinforces internal ethical practices and labor rights, aligning with progressive, anti-authoritarian values.

The article indicates that Northrop Grumman actively lobbies, makes political contributions, and promotes government sales of its defense products and services to customers associated with significant human rights risks, particularly in conflict-affected and high-risk areas.

Northrop Grumman has published its Human Rights Policy, emphasizing a deep commitment to respecting individual dignity, equality, and human rights across its operations. The policy outlines strategies for ethical business conduct, including adherence to international human rights standards and fostering an inclusive, safe work environment, guided by its core values and oversight from senior leadership and the Board.

Northrop Grumman outlines its strict governance and transparency in political contributions and lobbying practices. The company emphasizes that all political activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, with oversight provided by its Vice President of Legislative Affairs and a board Policy Committee. It refrains from using corporate funds for direct political contributions, instead relying on a voluntary employee political action committee, thereby ensuring that its support is aligned with shareholder interests and ethical standards.

Northrop Grumman detailed its political contribution and lobbying practices on its investor relations page, emphasizing a strict governance model that ensures all political activities are fully disclosed, legally compliant, and free from corporate funds directed toward partisan candidates or organizations. The company’s internal structure – including the involvement of the Vice President of Legislative Affairs and its Policy Committee – reinforces accountability in its political engagements.

Northrop Grumman released its comprehensive Anti-Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Statement for 2022, outlining robust measures and policies to eradicate human trafficking and modern slavery in its global supply chains. The statement details adherence to international regulations such as the UK Modern Slavery Act, Australian Modern Slavery Act, and California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, and emphasizes due diligence in supplier management.

Northrop Grumman detailed its approach to political contributions and lobbying, emphasizing strong governance, transparency, and adherence to legal requirements. The company disclosed that it does not use corporate funds for political contributions, with all activities overseen by executive leadership and an independent Policy Committee.

A shareholder resolution criticizes Northrop Grumman for a disconnect between its stated human rights commitments and its political activities. The resolution highlights that the company spent nearly $8.69 million on federal lobbying—focusing on defense appropriations and controversial arms deals such as a $13.3 billion nuclear missile contract—raising serious concerns over its lack of transparency and potential support for regimes with poor human rights records.

On May 15, a shareholder resolution at Northrop Grumman calls for a comprehensive report on the implementation of its human rights policy. The resolution comes amid allegations of racial discrimination, fraudulent billing, and controversial use of surveillance technologies, highlighting urgent concerns over the company’s practices in both domestic and international markets.

On May 15, 2019, shareholders — including three congregations of Catholic Sisters — introduced a resolution calling for Northrop Grumman to report on how it implements its human rights policy. The move comes amid a series of controversies including allegations of racial discrimination, questionable labor practices, the deployment of surveillance technology with high error rates for minorities, and arms sales to foreign regimes implicated in human rights abuses.

Northrop Grumman shareholders are demanding a comprehensive human rights report from the company in response to its $95 million contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the development of the HART biometric database. Critics, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, warn that the surveillance technology could embed racial bias and chill democratic freedoms, highlighting potential complicity in authoritarian practices.

A black engineer of Nigerian descent has filed a lawsuit against Northrop Grumman alleging race and national origin bias, including claims of underpayment, lack of proper training, and wrongful termination.