As part of our commitment to responsible sourcing, we work with our supply chain to trace potential sources of minerals such as tantalum, tin, gold or tungsten, which are known to help finance conflict and contribute to the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We routinely conduct inquiries of our suppliers to identify potential use of these conflict minerals.
In line with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements, we submit a Specialized Disclosure Report and a Conflict Minerals Report. In our report to the SEC, we address our efforts to understand the presence of these minerals in our supply chain, including:
General Dynamics belongs to trade associations that represent a broad array of professional and industrial interests. These trade associations engage in promoting industry-friendly positions on legislative and policy issues.
Process and Oversight
Decisions by the company to join trade associations are based on an evaluation of several factors, including:
Senior management reviews trade memberships annually to assess the company's return on investment and subsequently decides if continued membership is appropriate.
The company's Board of Directors is briefed annually on trade association expenditures.
Approximately 20% of our employees are represented by labor unions. Our employees are free to exercise their rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining, and we work to maintain positive relations with our employees' representatives and to engage in good-faith negotiations on issues important to our employees, such as wages, benefits, schedules, job progression, health and safety.
We have a proven track record of strong relationships with collectively bargained employees. As agreements expire or incidents arise, we work closely with the bargaining units to seek mutually beneficial outcomes.
General Dynamics offers eligible employees the opportunity to make voluntary political contributions through a company-sponsored Political Action Committee (PAC). Our PAC is operated on a nonpartisan basis and ensures the company’s interests as a large employer and leading member of the defense and aerospace industry are well represented. Employee participation is strictly voluntary and all contributions are reported to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which makes detailed information about PAC donations on its website. As a matter of policy our PAC does not make contributions to presidential campaigns.
Is General Dynamics involved in building weapons I might find objectionable, selling to countries I might find objectionable, or employing weapons in ways I might find objectionable?
As an aerospace and defense contractor, our primary customer is the U.S. government. We follow U.S. law and policy. We believe decisions about what types of weapons to buy, where to sell them and how to use them are inherently governmental.
I read on the internet that General Dynamics IT operates child detention centers or is involved with family separation at the border. Is this true?
No. GDIT has had contracts with the Department of Health and Human Services since 2000 to provide casework support, technical assistance and IT support to the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which cares for unaccompanied children and facilitates family reunions. General Dynamics has no role in constructing or operating detention centers.
Does General Dynamics make political campaign contributions? Is GD supporting a particular presidential candidate?
General Dynamics offers eligible employees the opportunity to make voluntary political contributions through a company-sponsored Political Action Committee (PAC). Our PAC is operated on a nonpartisan basis and ensures the company’s interests as a large employer and leading member of the defense and aerospace industry are well represented. Employee participation is strictly voluntary and all contributions are reported to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which makes detailed information about PAC donations on its website. As a matter of policy our PAC does not make contributions to presidential campaigns.