8. Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
The right of employees to form or join workers’ organizations including unions of their own choice and to bargain collectively shall be recognized and respected. Employers shall adopt a positive approach towards the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, by communicating this right actively to their workforce and by adopting an open attitude towards trade unions including their organizational activities. In those situations in which the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining are restricted by law, parallel means of independent and free association and bargaining shallbe allowed. Workers’ representatives shall be protected against discrimination, harassment, intimidation or retaliation and shall be provided free access to the workplaces to ensure that they can exercise their rights in a lawful and peaceful way. ILO Conventions 87, 98 and 135 and ILO Recommendation 143 apply.
9. Health & Safety
A safe and hygienic working environment shall be provided to the employees. Occupational health and safety practices shall be promoted, which prevent accidents and injuries in the course of work or as a result of the operation of employer facilities. These health and safet practices and procedures shall be communicated to and trained with the employees on a regular basis. A clear set of regulations and procedures must be established and followed, especially the provision and use of personal protective equipment, access to clean sanitary facilities and portable water. The same principles apply to all social facilities and employee accommodation facilities if provided by the employer. All personnel shall have the right to remove themselves from imminent serious danger without seeking permission from the company. The company observing the Code shall assign responsibility for health and safety to a senior management representative and involve workers in the analysis of health risks and hazards. ILO convention 155 and ILO recommendation 164 apply.
10. Environmental Protection
Business partners shall act in accordance with the applicable environmental law and international standards regarding environmental protection and shall maintain relevant environmental permits and licences. They shall continuously strive to minimize any adverse impact that their business activity has on the environment. In particular, this means: no hazardous substances shall be released into the environment; wastewater, air emissions and any other waste need to be treated properly priorto discharge in accordance with applicable laws and standards; chemicals and other hazardous substances need to be labelledproperly and stored safely; energy efficiency needs to be increased; and the use of natural resources (including water, mineral resources, agricultural commodities and fossil fuels) needs to be minimized. In order to achieve these targets business partners shall establish a feasible and effective environmental management system.
11. Management Practice
Social and environmental standards as defined in this Code shall be acknowledged by the management of any business partner and shall be incorporated in company policies. Employees shall be informed about the contents of the Code and applicable national/international laws in a way that is accessible for them, including their local language and in case of illiteracy through verbal briefing and training. In order to meet all requirements as set forth in this Code and in national/international laws,business partners shall set up or use a feasible management system, including the appointment of responsible personnel, the definition of relevant processes and the maintenance of appropriate records to demonstrate compliance with this Code and national/international law