Ensuring equal rights for employees

GRI 406–1

Russian Railways adheres to the principles of the UN Global Compact and the Social Charter of the Russian Business developed by the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP). The Company strictly complies with the Russian labour and civil laws and builds relations with employees based on mutual respect and commitment. The Company encourages and supports the social and cultural diversity of its employees, providing them with equal opportunities for employment, remuneration and promotion regardless of their differences and beliefs. These and other fundamental principles are embedded in our Code of Business Ethics.

In accordance with the Code of Business Ethics, heads of the Company’s units ensure equal rights and opportunities for all persons when they apply for a job or work their way up the career ladder, regardless of their gender, age, race, ethnicity, language, origin, financial and employment status, place of residence, personal and physiological differences.

Russian Railways has zero tolerance for any types of discrimination, including gender discrimination, in recruitment, staff training, and promotions. In the event of human rights violations or discrimination, employees are entitled to contact the Hotline and make a complaint.

The Company does not discriminate or have restrictions on the employment of disabled people. They are hired based on their health condition and statutory requirements for certain jobs.

When moving up the career ladder, all employees enjoy equal rights and opportunities. 19.2% of the Company’s managers are aged under 35.

Supporting women

As women make up nearly 30% of Russian Railways’ employees, improving their working conditions and social security is among our absolute priorities. Russian Railways has a Coordination Council tasked with improving the conditions of work, leisure, and social support of women. The council regularly holds onsite meetings with female employees and organises video conferences with railway coordination councils to collect feedback from female employees and discuss any concerns they might have.

Key internal documents include:

• Action Plan to improve the conditions of work, leisure, and social support of women in 2021–2025, No. 2019 dated 29 December 2020;
• Russian Railways’ Order No. 1751/r dated 19 July 2024 establishing working groups to assess regional women’s councils and approving evaluation procedures.

The Company is expanding the list of railway jobs available to women. Female employees can now work as operators and assistant operators on certain types of traction rolling stock. As at the end of 2024, the Company trained 328 women in these professions, and offered them employment.

2024 results in improving the conditions of work, leisure, and social support of women:

• the Company increased the amount of financial assistance for those taking an annual paid leave to 30% of wages or salary (starting 1 January 2025);
• 30 rooms for functional and emotional unwinding were launched;
• the 5th Forum to Improve the Conditions of Work, Leisure, and Social Support of Women was held;
• regional practical and development‑oriented forums and Successful Woman Lecture Hall events were conducted;
• Russian Railways’ Women online portal kept expanding;
• working conditions were improved at 46,800 workplaces, including those of female employees;
• over 2,000 female employees took part in the How To Be Successful and Happy corporate social event;
• special focus was made on the женщиныржд.рф portal containing all information on support for women at the Company.

Iron Resilience

18 female locomotive crew workers from across the country completed a five-day Electric Train Design programme in 2024. Participants gained detailed knowledge of electric train equipment operation, potential malfunctions, and repair methods. An equally important component focused on psychological and physical wellness, and work-life balance strategies for this demanding profession, plus motor activity lectures and workplace tensionrelief exercises.

We have been conducting professional development groups for women since 2021.