We go over each of these points with our suppliers and ensure that each standard is understood in in clear, natural language. Luckily, our suppliers are genuine, hard-working partners and we are proud to work alongside them.
1. Business is conducted lawfully and with integrity
Compliance with Laws
All Colombian laws and regulations are complied with. All other applicable international laws and regulations are complied with including those relating to international trade (such as those relating to sanctions, export controls and reporting obligations), data protection and anti-trust/competition laws.
Reporting Concerns and Non-retaliation
Employees are given the means by which to raise their concerns about any of the standards and all employees who speak out about an issue are protected from retaliation.
2. Work is conducted on the basis of freely agreed and documented terms of employment
Policies are adopted and adhered to that respect workers, permanent and casual and, at a minimum, safeguard their rights under their employment contract, and national labor laws and regulations.
3. All workers are treated equally and with respect and dignity
All workers are treated with respect and dignity. No worker is subject to any physical, sexual, psychological, verbal harassment, abuse or other form of intimidation. There is no discrimination in employment, including hiring, compensation, advancement, discipline, termination or retirement. Discrimination based on caste, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, health, disability or pregnancy is prevented. In particular, attention is paid to the rights of workers most vulnerable to discrimination.
4. Work is conducted on a voluntary basis
Forced labor, of any kind, is prohibited. Mental and/or physical coercion, slavery and human trafficking are prohibited.
5. All workers are of an appropriate age
Under no circumstances will a supplier employ workers under the age of 15 - the minimum age in Colombia. Workers under the age of 18 must have the required permissions as per national law. When young workers are employed they must not do work that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous or harmful or interferes with their schooling by depriving them of the opportunity to attend school.
6. All workers are paid fair wages
Workers are provided with a total compensation package that includes wages, overtime pay, health insurance, pension, benefits, and paid leave which meets or exceeds the legal minimum standards or appropriate prevailing industry standards, whichever is higher, and compensation terms established by legally binding collective bargaining agreements are implemented and adhered to.
7. Working hours for all workers are reasonable
Workers are not required to work more than the regular and overtime hours allowed by the law of the country where the workers are employed. All overtime work by workers is on a voluntary basis.
8. All workers are free to exercise their right to form and/or join trade unions or to refrain from doing so and to bargain collectively
The rights of workers to freedom of association and collective bargaining are recognized and respected. Workers are not intimidated or harassed in the exercise of their right to join or refrain from joining any organization.
9. Workers’ health and safety are protected at work
A healthy and safe workplace is provided to prevent accidents and injury arising out of, linked with, or occurring in the course of work or as a result of the employer’s operations.
10. Workers have access to fair procedures and remedies
Workers are provided with transparent, fair and confidential procedures that result in swift, unbiased and fair resolution of difficulties which may arise as part of their working relationship.
11. Workers are allowed to take maternity leave
Workers are given the full 18 weeks of paid leave, as per Colombian law, when taking care of a new-born child.