American Express Company 2015 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

GRI INDEX
PUBLIC POLICY ENGAGEMENT
AND POLITICAL
CONTRIBUTIONS
American Express has a clear statement on engagement and political activity in the U.S.
American Express Company believes that active engagement in the public policy arena is an important
part of responsible corporate citizenship.
Public policy issues are constantly being debated around the globe. We monitor the issues and public
policy debates and engage with government officials at various levels throughout the world in order
to provide our perspective. We also work with trade and industry associations in support of our public
policy initiatives. We identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reports and our Lobbying
Disclosure Act filings the public policy issues that can significantly impact aspects of our business.
In addition to the company’s advocacy efforts, American Express participates in the political process
through the American Express Company Political Action Committee (AXP PAC) and through corporate
political contributions in those jurisdictions where it is permissible to do so. Established more than
25 years ago, the AXP PAC is supported solely by voluntary contributions from American Express
employees. AXP PAC is regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). AXP PAC files regular
reports with the FEC and the relevant state election commissions on its receipts and disbursements. AXP
PAC supports candidates for federal and state office who understand the concerns and interests of the
company on important public policy issues.
On a semi-annual basis, we provide information about all political contributions made by the AXP PAC or
with corporate funds to political candidates, parties and committees. We also disclose contributions to
other political entities organized and operating under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 527 of the Internal Revenue Code;
independent political expenditures; dues used for political purposes by trade associations that respond
to our request, entities organized under section 501(c) 4 of the Internal Revenue Code, and other tax
exempt organizations (that receive in excess of $50,000 during the calendar year from the company);
and payments made to influence the outcome of ballot measures as defined under Subsection 162(e)(1)
(B) of the Code. In addition, we include a list of principal U.S. trade and industry associations to which we
have paid annual dues of $50,000 or more in the most recent fiscal year and the portion of our dues or
payments made that are used for lobbying purposes under section 162(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.
American Express does not make any contributions to political parties in Europe. In addition, the
company is a signatory of the voluntary European Transparency Register for engaging with the European
institutions.
RESPONSIBLE MARKETING
Our marketing programs go through multiple layers of review to ensure that our customers are wellinformed
about our products and services. Learn more about this in the Serving Our Customers and
Partners section.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY
AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
We aim to build a diverse workforce that reflects the public we serve. We seek to provide and maintain a
work environment free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. We do not tolerate discrimination
against any person on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, sex, marital status,
sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship or any other basis prohibited by law. Any
discriminatory treatment or harassment of employees or contractors that violates our company’s values
or federal or state law will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination of
employment.
HUMAN RIGHTS
We respect and promote human rights and are committed to leadership in responsible workplace
practices across the entire company and in all aspects of our business. Our Code of Conduct embodies
our commitment to fair and equal treatment of all people.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Our Code of Conduct is available on the American Express website.
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