This Ethical Trading Policy has been developed to provide WISE IT LLC customers with the assurance they are buying goods produced in a socially responsible manner, without exploitation and in acceptable working conditions.The Policy sets out the minimum standards that we apply and expect from our direct suppliers.
As a responsible business WISE IT LLC complies with all applicable Ukraine employment, health and safety, and environmental legislation. In addition, we have considered the Ethical Trading Initiative’s guidelines and ensure:
1. Employment is freely chosen and employees are free to leave their employmen
a. After giving reasonable notice in accordance with the employee’s contract of employment.
2. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
a. Workers have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing.
b. WISE IT LLC adopts an open attitude towards the activities of trade unions and their organizational activities.
c. Workers representatives are not discriminated against and have access to carry out their representative functions in the workplace.
3. Working conditions are safe and hygienic
a. A safe and hygienic working environment is provided.
b. Adequate steps are taken to prevent accidents and injury to health.
c. Hazards are identified and controlled through risk assessment.
d. Employees (including new and temporary) receive regular and recorded health and safety training appropriate to their role.
e. Access to clean toilet facilities, potable water and sanitary food storage facilities are provided.
f. Responsibility for health and safety is assigned to a senior management representative.
g. Representatives of Employees Safety are employed and an active Health & Safety Committee operates to consult on health and safety matters.
4. Child labor is not used
a. WISE IT LLC do not employee children under the age of 16 under any circumstance.
b. Children under the age of 16 on work placement or on a learning visit may only visit the factory and warehouse work areas under the close supervision of a responsible WISE IT LLC chaperone.
c. Young persons under the age of 18 are not employed at night or in hazardous conditions and are closely supervised during their induction period.
5. Living wages are paid
a. Wages and benefits paid for a standard working month are no less than the national minimum wage.
b. All workers are provided with written and understandable information about their employment conditions and wages before they enter employment
c. All workers are provided with written and understandable information about the particulars of their wages for the pay period concerned each time that they are paid.
d. The only deductions made to pay are mandatory income tax and national insurance contributions and other government deductions and pension contributions as agreed between the employer and employee.
6. Working hours are not excessive
a. Working hours comply with national laws and industry standards.
b. Workers shall not on a regular basis be required to work in excess of 40 hours per week.
c. Workers are provided with two day’s off for every 7-day period on average.
d. Overtime is voluntary and is always compensated at a premium rate.
7. No discrimination is practiced
a. There is no discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership or political affiliation.
8. Regular employment is provided
a. To every extent possible work performed is on the basis of recognized employment relationship established through national law.
b. We do not endeavor to avoid our obligations to employees under employment law through underhanded employment practices such as the use of labor-only contracting, sub-contracting, or home-working arrangements, or through apprenticeship schemes that do not impart skills or provide regular employment, nor are any such obligations avoided through the excessive use of fixed-term contracts of employment.
9. No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
a. Physical abuse or discipline, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment and verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation is prohibited.
10. Immigration law and compliance
a. Only workers with a legal right to work in the UKRAINE are employed or used.
b. All workers including Employment Agency staff are validated for their legal right to work by reviewing original documentation (not photocopies) before they are allowed to commence work.
c. Employment Agencies must only supply workers registered with them.
d. WISE IT LLC choose to work with a small number of approved Employment Agencies and monitor their compliance with this policy.
e. Employment agencies that provide temporary labour must be registered under the legislation of Ukraine and carry out its duties in accordance with this.