The article highlights Sumitomo Corporation’s involvement as a partner with Teck Resources in the Quebrada Blanca 2 copper project in Chile, a venture expected to boost Teck’s copper production by roughly 75%.

Sumitomo Rubber reached an agreement with USW Local 135L to provide a comprehensive separation benefits package for 1,500 former employees following the abrupt closure of its Tonawanda plant. The deal includes compensation based on years of service, extended health coverage, retirement benefits, and career transition services, marking a positive step in addressing workers' rights and union negotiations.

The annual report details SCOA’s commitment to preventing modern slavery, including forced and child labour, through extensive due diligence, supply chain ethics, and employee training processes. Approved on May 21, 2024, the document outlines proactive measures to uphold labor rights and human rights standards across its operations and supply chains.

Sumitomo Corporation of Americas released its Annual Report on Forced and Child Labour in Supply Chains for FY2023, detailing robust due diligence practices, human rights policies, and supply chain management steps to prevent modern slavery, including forced and child labour. The report, approved on May 21, 2024, outlines employee training, internal reporting mechanisms, and engagement with external consultants to assess and mitigate human rights risks.

Sumitomo Chemical Group released a comprehensive statement on April 1, 2024, reaffirming its commitment to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. The statement details robust measures including strict supply chain due diligence, prohibition of forced and child labor, compliance training, and supplier engagement to ensure adherence to international human rights standards.

In February 2021, SEIU Local 32BJ filed a human rights complaint alleging that the cleaning contractor at Miami Tower, a property associated with Sumitomo Corporation, repeatedly exposed janitors to unsafe working conditions and retaliated against their union organizing efforts. The union has criticized Sumitomo for not responding to the allegations, highlighting a failure to uphold human rights and corporate social responsibility standards.

In February 2021, SEIU Local 32BJ filed a human rights complaint alleging that Sumitomo Corporation failed to address unsafe working conditions and retaliatory actions against janitors at Miami Tower by its cleaning contractor, SFM Services. The union has repeatedly requested a meeting with Sumitomo, which has not provided a response.