BSCI Code of Conduct

Business partners shall comply, as a minimum, with wages mandated by governments’

minimum wage legislation, or industry standards approved on the basis of collective

bargaining, whichever is higher.

Wages are to be paid in a timely manner, regularly, and fully in legal tender. Partial payment

in the form of allowance “in kind” is accepted in line with ILO specifications. The level of

wages is to reflect the skills and education of workers and shall refer to regular working hours.

Deductions will be permitted only under the conditions and to the extent prescribed by law or

fixed by collective agreement.

Decent Working Hours

Business partners observe this principle when they ensure that workers are not required to

work more than 48 regular hours per week, without prejudice to the specific expectations set

out hereunder. However, the BSCI recognizes the exceptions specified by the ILO.

Applicable national laws, industry benchmark standards or collective agreements are to be

interpreted within the international framework set out by the ILO.

In exceptional cases defined by the ILO, the limit of hours of work prescribed above may be

exceeded, in which case overtime is permitted.

The use of overtime is meant to be exceptional, voluntary, paid at a premium rate of not less

than one and one-quarter times the regular rate and shall not represent a significantly higher

likelihood of occupational hazards. Furthermore, Business Partners shall grant their workers

with the right to resting breaks in every working day and the right to at least one day off in

every seven days, unless exceptions defined by collective agreements apply.

Occupational Health and Safety

Business partners observe this principle when they respect the right to healthy working and

living conditions of workers and local communities, without prejudice to the specific

expectations set out hereunder. Vulnerable individuals such as - but not limited to - young

workers, new and expecting mothers and persons with disabilities, shall receive special

protection.

Business partners shall comply with occupational health and safety regulations, or with

international standards where domestic legislation is weak or poorly enforced.

The active co-operation between management and workers, and/or their representatives is

essential in order to develop and implement systems towards ensuring a safe and healthy

work environment. This may be achieved through the establishment of Occupational Health

and Safety Committees.

Business partners shall ensure that there are systems in place to detect, assess, avoid and

respond to potential threats to the health and safety of workers. They shall take effective

measures to prevent workers from having accidents, injuries or illnesses, arising from,

associated with, or occurring during work. These measures should aim at minimizing so far as

is reasonable the causes of hazards inherent within the workplace.

Business partners will seek improving workers protection in case of accident including

through compulsory insurance schemes.

Business partners shall take all appropriate measures within their sphere of influence, to see

to the stability and safety of the equipment and buildings they use, including residential

facilities to workers when these are provided by the employer as well as to protect against

any foreseeable emergency. Business partners shall respect the workers’ right to exit the

premises from imminent danger without seeking permission.