UTC wants to hear what employees have to say - your questions, ideas, suggestions, criticisms, complaints or allegations of wrongdoing.

The best way to communicate is always the most direct, for example, from employee to supervisor or manager. But we know there are times when employees want to discuss what is on their minds and do not want their names or identities widely known -- or not revealed at all.

For this reason, confidential, neutral and independent communications channels are available to every UTC employee worldwide: our Ombudsman and DIALOG programs. These programs have been in place since 1986 to serve as an informal communications resource for employees and others.

"Confidential" means that an Ombudsman or DIALOG program coordinator (DPC) will not reveal the name or identity of the person raising an issue without the person's permission. (In fact, you may remain anonymous; it's your choice). "Confidential" also means that all records with respect to particular matters are not available to anyone except the Ombudsman or DPC handling your inquiry and are destroyed promptly after the matter is concluded. UTC has successfully defended this confidentiality in court.

"Independent" means that an Ombudsman or DPC is not a part of company management. One caution: Because they serve in an independent capacity and as a confidential communication channel, your contact with an Ombudsman or DPC does not represent formal notice (or "legal notice") to the company with respect to any issue. Accordingly, if you wish to provide formal notice, you should use more traditional and formal channels such as the Legal Department, Human Resources or Business Practices.

"Neutral" means that an Ombudsman or DPC does not act on behalf of the employee or management. Their role is to seek a fair review of your issues, reduce the chances of miscommunication and assure that appropriate management personnel are involved in addressing your issues.

UTC prohibits any retaliation against any person who raises, in good faith, any concern with respect to policies or practices within our company or for reporting anything the employee reasonably believes constitutes a violation or suspected violation of UTC's Code of Ethics, policies or procedures. However, reporting wrongdoing does not absolve anyone from accountability for involvement in any wrongdoing.