Code of Conduct
- Policy: Code of Conduct
- Version: 1.5
- Effective date: 13/07/2022
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Contact: info@ethicalmade.de
This Code of Conduct (the “Code”) sets out guidelines and requirements for all staff, subcontractors, and suppliers (collectively, “Vendors”) that do business with Ethical Made. business or subsidiary (collectively, “EM” or “we”). We expect our Vendors (including their employees, agents, subcontractors, and affiliates) to comply with the Code in conducting business with or on behalf of Ethical Made, even when the Code exceeds the requirements of applicable law. Violations of the Code can result in severe consequences for Ethical Made and/or its Vendors. Accordingly, Ethical Made will take appropriate action to ensure compliance with the Code, up to and including termination of business with the Vendor.
1. LABOUR & HUMAN RIGHTS
We comply with the respective laws of all countries in which we conduct business. Our company has always been committed to this rule, irrespective of any potential commercial disadvantages this may cause. Our basic understanding of how all employees treat each other is based on fairness and respect as well as the protection of privacy. Any discrimination or unjust treatment based on gender, ethnic origin, religion, possible disability, or age will not be tolerated at any time.
2. THE RIGHTS OF FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
We respect the right of workers to form unions or other kinds of worker’s associations and to engage in collective bargaining. Due to the small size of our company, there is no separate union, but we respect and support all activities of trade unions. Without exception, our employees have the right to join trade unions.
3. FAIR RENUMERATION
We pay our employees’ wages and salaries that meet national legal standards. In any case, our wages always cover basic needs. Wages and salaries are paid monthly in the manner desired by the employees. The withholding of wages is generally prohibited. Employees receive detailed information about the conditions of employment in writing before the start of work. We are always ready to conduct wage negotiations and have an open ear for the concerns of our employees.
4. PROMOTION OF LIVING WAGES ALONG THE ENTIRE SUPPLY CHAIN
Throughout our supply chain, we are looking for ways in which we can make an active contribution at wages that secure livelihoods. For this reason, we work together with Stanley/Stella to ensure a living wage in our production facilities. At the level of raw cotton, we work together only with companies certified and approved by the Fair Wear Foundation to guarantee a wage that also secures its existence.
5. DECENT WORKING HOURS
Our usual working hours comply with national laws. We work from Monday to Friday and always make sure that our employees have sufficient breaks. Overtime is generally voluntary and is compensated by a wage surcharge or time off.
6. NO PRECARIOUS EMPLOYMENT
It is self-evident and unavoidable for us that we live our work and social obligations towards all our employees in such a way that they are not one-sided employment relationships supported by contracts, but that everyone likes to come to work. We pay attention to a good working atmosphere in which everyone feels comfortable.
7. COARSE AND INHUMANE TREATMENT ARE NOT ALLOWED
Physical abuse or discipline, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment, bullying and insults or other forms of intimidation are prohibited. Violations are documented and sanctioned. We treat all our employees with respect, dignity, and equality. Our actions are based on the protection and respect of human rights.
8. CHILD LABOUR IS NOT ACCEPTED
Ethical Made strictly prohibits the use of child labour. The Youth Protection Act (JuSchG) applies to young people between the ages of 16 and 18.
9. NO BOUNDED LABOUR
We do not engage in any form of forced servitude, trafficked or non-voluntary labour. Our employees are not forced to work and are allowed to resign voluntarily at any time.
10. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Ethical Made provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants, without regard to age, race, colour, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, condition of pregnancy, parental status, political convictions, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also accommodate disabilities and religious practices as required by law. We expect our Vendors to adopt and implement similar policies or practices and refrain from discrimination in conducting business with or on behalf of Ethical Made.
11. DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Ethical Made believes that diversity and inclusion is a social and economic imperative and looks to its Vendors to share this commitment in their operations and business partnerships. Ethical Made encourages collaboration and inclusiveness, including concerning its employees, customers, and Vendors, because the best solutions are often those that draw on diverse ideas and perspectives.
Ethical Made seeks to engage with Vendors who perform at high levels and add a diverse perspective, including Vendors that are diverse in terms of their ownership structure (e.g., women-owned, locally owned), scale (e.g., small or medium-size), and the nature of the enterprise (e.g., social enterprise). We expect Vendors to identify, adapt, and integrate diversity and inclusion and equal opportunity practices into their business processes and to compete on a fair and equal basis for business.
12. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
We always ensure a safe and hygienic working environment in which all our employees feel safe. Our employees are required to always act in such a way that they do not endanger themselves and others. Employees who need specific protective equipment for their work are equipped with it and use it. All necessary measures have been and are being taken to prevent accidents at work and health impairments.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, protective measures at the workplace and environment have been increased and adapted in accordance with national regulations. Important health precautions to contain the pandemic, such as the free provision of masks, disinfectants, and rapid tests, have been and are being taken. All our employees have the option of working from home at any time.
13. SOURCING AND PURCHASING PRACTICES
We ensure that our procurement and purchasing practice does not affect environmental and integrity rights. Our priority is to respect these rights, which also guides our actions in procurement. When verifying compliance with these guidelines, we rely on internationally recognized certifications, such as GOTS and PETA. The materials in purchasing consist exclusively of sustainable materials, i.e., organic certified cotton and approved vegan material.
14. SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT
To ensure that we act in a socially responsible manner, we have discussed and written these guiding principles together with our employees. All our employees are trained in both the environmental and social declarations and have free access to it. To ensure the implementation of the principles, we have elected Michaela Strotmann as the person responsible. She is responsible for monitoring compliance and is always available in case of problems or concerns of the employees.
15. REPORTING COMPLAINTS
Each employee is obliged to report any breaches of law or violation of the Code of Conduct or other applicable policies. To do so, employees should always consult Michaela Strotmann. She is responsible for monitoring compliance and is always available in case of problems or concerns of the employees.
16. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES IN BUSINESS
We reject corruption, blackmail and embezzlement in all areas and attach great importance to trusting cooperation with all our stakeholders, partners, and employees, both internally and externally. As a company, we provide correct and accurate information about our activities and disclose this information truthfully. When collecting, and using personal data, the laws and regulatory requirements for data protection and information security must be complied with.
Person responsible for questions about the Code of Conduct: Michaela Strotmann (info@ethicalmade.de)
