This Supplier Code of Conduct (this “Code”) establishes standards to ensure that our supplier and supply chains are safe, that workers within that supply chain are treated with respect and dignity, and that business operations surrounding that supply chain are environmentally responsible and conducted ethically. We believe that how products are made and brought to market is just as important as their quality. We also believe that the production of products should be consistent with the Labour Standards promulgated by the International Labour Organization.
This Code sets out the minimum standards we require for those that supply products and services to us or under our brands (each, a “Supplier”). We expect Suppliers and all those under Suppliers’ control and/or direction to follow this Code and conduct their operations in an ethical manner that treats workers as valuable and demonstrates careful stewardship of the environment. Failure to do so not only violates our standards, but presents a serious risk to our reputation with consumers and others that we work hard to uphold.
By doing business with us, Supplier agrees to comply with this Code, and to cause all its agents and others acting under its control to comply with this Code. All references to a “Code of Conduct,” “Supplier Code of Conduct” or words of similar import in purchase orders, intellectual property licenses and/or other contracts with us will refer to this Code, as it may be revised at our sole discretion from time-to-time. We reserve the right to change this Code at any time, with or without notice, effective immediately upon posting here. Continuing to do business with us following the posting of changes to this Code constitutes Supplier’s acceptance of such changes. We strongly encourage Suppliers to periodically review this Code.
1. We treat our workforce with dignity.
Supplier recognizes that the human rights of workers, and that treating workers with dignity and respect as understood by the international community, enhances the quality of products and services, consistency of production and worker retention and morale. This applies to all workers, including temporary, migrant, student, intern, apprentice, contract, employee, and any other type of worker.
The labor standards are:
A. Freely-Chosen Employment. Supplier will:
B. Young Workers. Supplier will:
C. Working Hours. Supplier will:
D. Wages and Benefits. Supplier will comply with all applicable wage and hour laws with respect to compensation paid to workers, including for overtime. Without limiting the foregoing, Supplier will:
E. Humane Treatment. Supplier will:
F. Non-Discrimination. Supplier will:
G. Freedom of Association. Supplier will:
(i) respect the right of all workers to form and join trade unions of their own choosing, to bargain collectively and to engage in peaceful assembly as well as respect the right of workers to refrain from such activities; and (ii) allow both workers and their representatives to openly communicate and share ideas and concerns with management regarding working conditions and management practices without fear of discrimination, reprisal, intimidation or harassment.
H. Subcontracting and Homeworking.
Supplier will not subcontract without the prior express and unambiguous written permission of an officer of our company. Supplier will not utilize homeworking except as in compliance with applicable law, this Code, and the following requirements, which are subject to third party verification, at Supplier’s expense: (i) Supplier will verify that the age of homeworkers complies with the standards set out in this Code; (ii) Supplier will track hours and wages of homeworkers; and (iii) Supplier will properly compensate homeworkers.
I. Location Specificity.
This Code applies separately to each separate location utilized by Supplier. Approval of one location does not allow the production of products or the provision of services for us at another location.
2. We believe in a healthy and safe workplace.
Supplier recognizes that in addition to minimizing the incidence of work-related injury and illness, a safe and healthy work environment enhances the quality of products and services, consistency of production and worker retention and morale. Supplier also recognizes that ongoing worker input and education is essential to identifying, assessing, understanding, monitoring, controlling, and minimizing the potential effects of health and safety issues in the workplace.
The health and safety standards are:
A. Occupational Safety.
Supplier will identify, assess, understand, monitor, control, and minimize the potential effects of workers’ exposure to safety hazards (e.g., chemical, electrical and other energy, fall, fire, mechanical, vehicle and other physical safety hazards) through proper design, engineering and administrative controls, preventative maintenance, safe-work procedures, and ongoing safety training. Where Supplier is unable to eliminate such hazards by these means, Supplier will provide workers with properly maintained, appropriate personal protective equipment and educational materials about risks to them associated with such hazards.
B. Emergency Preparedness.
Supplier will identify, assess, understand, monitor, control, and minimize the potential effects of all potential emergency situations and events by implementing and continuously and properly updating and keeping current appropriate emergency plans, response procedures and equipment, including emergency reporting, worker notification and evacuation procedures, worker training and drills, fire detection and suppression, clear and unobstructed egress, and disaster recovery that focus on minimizing harm to life, the environment, property and business interests.
C. Occupational Injury and Illness.
Supplier will implement and continuously and properly update, keep current and enforce procedures and systems to prevent, manage, track and report occupational injury and illness, including provisions to encourage worker reporting, classify and record injury and illness cases, provide appropriate medical treatment, investigate cases and implement corrective actions to eliminate injury/illness causes and facilitate the return of workers to work.
D. Industrial Hygiene.
Supplier will: (i) identify, assess, understand, monitor, control, and minimize the exposure of workers to, and utilize protective programs that include educational materials for workers about, the risks associated with chemical, biological and physical agents; (ii) eliminate or control potential safety hazards through proper design, engineering and administrative controls; and (iii) continuously and properly maintain, update, keep current and provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment.
E. Physically Demanding Work.
Supplier will identify, assess, understand, monitor, control, and minimize the potential effects of worker exposure to the hazards of physically demanding tasks, including manual material handling and heavy or repetitive lifting, prolonged standing and highly repetitive or forceful assembly tasks.
F. Machine Safeguarding.
Supplier will evaluate all machinery for safety hazards, and implement and continuously and properly maintain, update and keep current appropriate physical guards, interlocks and barriers where machinery presents a safety hazard to workers.
G. Sanitation, Food, and Housing.
Supplier will provide workers with ready access to clean toilet facilities, potable water, and sanitary food preparation, storage and eating facilities.
H. Health & Safety Communication.
Supplier will:
H. Compliance With Governmental Trade Policies. Supplier will comply with all trade policies enacted and promulgated by the applicable territory and/or the United States aimed at restricting trade with countries supporting terrorist organizations, human rights violations, money laundering and other activities inconsistent with democratic values, including by: