Standard for Employment
1 Working Atmosphere
All employees and workers must be treated with respect and dignity. Any kind of corporal
punishment, psychological, sexual or verbal harassment and abuse, and any other form of
intimidation are prohibited. Disciplinary measures have to be in line with national law and
internationally recognized human rights.
2 Working Hours
Working hours are to be set in accordance with local law. In any case, workers must not work
more than 48 hours in a regular working week. Overtime must not exceed 12 hours per week
on a regular basis and must be compensated. All employees and workers must take at least
24 hours off after 6 consecutive days of work.
3 Compensation
All employees and workers have to receive payment for work finished in regular working
hours, which cover at least minimum wage level. Overtime work must be paid at premium
rate.
4 Conditions of Employment
Employment must be based on a formal document such as a working contract or letter of
appointment. This document must detail the terms and conditions of employment including
wages, period of payment, benefits, leave entitlement and period of notice.
5 Health and Safety at Work
The workplace must not harm employees’ or workers’ health and safety. A safe and hygienic
working environment shall be provided. Occupational health and safety practices have to be
promoted, which prevent accidents and injury in the course of work or as a result of the
operation of employer facilities. These safety practices and procedures must be
communicated to the employees and workers. The same principles apply to all social
facilities and accommodation facilities if provided by the employer.
6 Forced Labour
All employees and workers must take up and maintain their occupation with the company
based on their own free will. Any form of forced, bonded or prison labour is forbidden.
7 Child Labour
Child labour is forbidden as defined by ILO and UN conventions and/or by national law. The
age of admission to employment shall not be less than the age of completion of compulsory
schooling, and, in any case, not less than 15 years (or 14 where national law permits in
accordance with ILO convention 138).
Any supplier will be held directly responsible if violations to the prohibition of child labour are
detected at his own production units or his subcontractors’ facilities. Appropriate measures to
improve the situation of the individuals must be taken immediately, considering the age, the
social background and the education of the child in order to secure the child’s wellbeing in
future.
Regulations for the protection of young workers must be followed.
8 Discrimination
All employees and workers have to be treated equally. No discrimination is tolerated on the
basis of gender, religion, age, race, social background, caste, nationality, ethnic and national
origin, membership in workers’ organisations, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation,
or any other personal characteristics.
9 Freedom of Association
It is the right of employees and workers to set up or join workers’ organisations of their own
choice (including unions) for collective bargaining.
When the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining is restricted by national
law, employees and workers shall be allowed to form bodies for the representation of their
interest and to enter into direct exchange with the employer (parallel means).