Corporate Social Responsibility
Our Corporate Social Responsibility policy is based on internationally recognized standards and consists of codes of conduct, social- and environmental issues. It applies to all workplaces, including the manufacturing unit and the suppliers of the materials. Our company is free of anti-competitive agreements like price arrangements or illegal division of markets. We comply with local laws and pay taxes.
1. Discrimination
Recruitment, wage policy, employee promotion policy, policies of employment termination, retirement, and any other aspect of the employment relationship is based on the principle of equal opportunities, regardless of race, gender, colour, religion, political affiliation, union membership, nationality, social or ethnic origin, or disability.
We promote decent work for both men and women with the aim to improve less fortunate peoples’ lives while taking care of labor conditions.
We regard women’s economic and social rights on gender equality as a human right, and aim at an optimal representation of women represented in the workplace in order to be able to effectively improve the lives and opportunities of women, and ensure that their voices are heard.
2. Child Labour / Workers Exploitation
There is and will never be use of child labour within our, nor in our suppliers’ companies.
The age for admission to employment is never less than 16 years.
Nobody will perform work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm their health, safety or morals. There is no use of forced labour, and bribery in any way is not tolerated.
3. Freedom of association
We recognize and respect workers’ rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Workers’ representatives are not the subject of discrimination and have access to all workplaces necessary to carry out their representation functions.
4. Wages
Wages are an essential element for the employees’ wellbeing. Wages paid to employees are above standard and are always more than sufficient for the basic needs (such as housing, electricity, nutrition, clothing, healthcare, education, drinking water, transport and savings).
Employees are adequately and clearly informed about the specifications of their wages including wage rates and pay period.
We ensure to pay suppliers a price that gives them a possibility to provide good living wages to their employees.
5. Working hours, overtime
Employees never work more than 48 hours per week and are provided with at least one day off per week.
Overtime work is completely voluntary (so not demanded regularly), does not exceed 12 hours per week, and is always compensated at a premium rate.
The overtime work per employee is documented in the Overtime Registration Book in which the employee can write his/her hour choices. In this book also information is given to workers on their rights in this respect. The frequency, duration, and number of workers involved is regularly monitored to check whether maybe more (temporary) personnel is necessary.
6. Safe & healthy working conditions
We provide a safe and hygienic working environment. Appropriate attention is paid to occupational hazards specific to textile industry such as the use of sewing machines, heavy packing/carrying and storage methods. Effective regulations are implemented to prevent accidents and minimize health risks as much as possible. Employees receive a short training on health and safety issues when commencing their job.
7. Employment relationships
All employees receive a fair and transparent working contract in which their rights, such as the possibility for career moves, are mentioned. They are also aware of our Corporate Social Responsibility policy.
Younger and new workers have the opportunity to participate in training programs.
Every employee is treated with respect and dignity. No employee is subject to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment, discipline or abuse.
We ensure that within our own and our suppliers’ companies will never be any form of corruption or oppression from any side.
8. Environmental management system
The managers are responsible for all environmental issues. We strive to work environmental friendly in the utmost efficient way.
All employees are aware of our measures in this respect. The environment is everybody’s concern within the company so everybody receives knowledge about it.
By means of evaluations of the system we aim at continuous results in environmental friendly working ways.
The 4 most important points in this respect are;
* None or hardly any use of pesticides in production or led in painting/dying.
* Minimizing packing materials.
* Copying files is done double sided.
* Use of bicycle/foot instead of cars.