Code of Conduct
Last updated on July 14th, 2016
1. Introduction
The JOMA Code of Conduct for Manufacturers and Suppliers (hereinafter, the Code) defines minimum standards of ethical and responsible behaviour which must be met by the manufacturers and suppliers of the products commercialised by JOMA in the course of its business, in line with the corporate culture of JOMA, firmly based on the respect for Human and Labour Rights.
JOMA undertakes to allocate the appropriate resources so that manufacturers and suppliers are acquainted with and understand this Code and are able to ensure its compliance.
The Code shall be applied to all manufacturers and suppliers that take part in the purchasing, manufacturing and finishing processes and fosters and is based upon the following general principles that define JOMA’s ethical behaviour:
- All JOMA’s operations are developed under an ethical and responsible perspective.
- All persons, individuals or entities, who maintain, directly or indirectly, any kind of employment, economic, social and/or industrial relationship with JOMA, are treated fairly and with dignity.
- All JOMA’s activities are carried out in a manner that most respects the environment.
- All manufacturers and suppliers (production centres that are not property of JOMA) fully adhere to these commitments and undertake to ensure that the standards which are set forth in the Code are met.
2. No forced labour
JOMA shall not allow any form of forced or involuntary labour in their manufacturers and suppliers. They may not require their employees to make any kind of “deposits”, nor are they entitled to retain employees’ identity documents. Manufacturers shall acknowledge the right of their employees to leave their employer after reasonable notice (1).
3. No child labour
Manufacturers and suppliers shall not employ minors. JOMA defines minors as those persons who have not yet reached their 16th birthday. In cases where local legislation stipulates a higher minimum age, the higher limit shall apply (2). Persons between 16 and 18 years will be considered young workers. Young workers shall not work during night hours or in hazardous conditions (3).
4. No harsh or inhumane treatment
Manufacturers and suppliers shall treat their employees with dignity and respect. Under no circumstances shall physical punishment, sexual or racial harassment, verbal or power abuse or any other form of harassment or intimidation be permitted.
5. Safe and hygienic working conditions
Manufacturers and suppliers shall provide a safe and healthy workplace to their employees, ensuring minimum conditions of light, ventilation, hygiene, fire prevention, safety measures and access to a drinking water supply.
- Workers shall have access to clean toilets facilities and drinking water. Where necessary, facilities for food storage shall be provided.
- Accommodation, where provided, shall be clean and safe.
- Manufacturers and suppliers shall take the required steps to prevent accidents and injuries to health of their workers, by minimising as much as possible the risks inherent to work.
- Manufacturers and suppliers shall provide their workers with regular training in matters of health and safety at work. The company shall keep an appropriate record of the training courses done. Likewise, they shall appoint a person in charge of health and safety within the Management, duly authorized and with the appropriate decision taking power (4).
6. Wages are paid
Manufacturers and suppliers shall ensure that wages paid meet at least the minimum legal or collective bargain agreement, should this latter be higher. In any event, wages should always be enough to meet at least the basic needs of workers and their families and any other which might be considered as reasonable additional needs.
Manufacturers and suppliers shall not make any withholdings and/or deductions from wages for disciplinary purposes, nor for any reasons other than those provided in the applicable regulations, without the express authorisation of workers. Likewise, they shall provide all workers with: written and understandable information about their wage conditions upon their recruitment, and detailed information about the particulars of their wages every time that these are paid.
Manufacturers and suppliers shall also ensure that wages and any other allowances or benefits are paid on time and are rendered in full compliance with all applicable laws and specifically, that payments are made in the manner that best suits the workers (5).
7. Health and Safety of products
Manufacturers and suppliers are responsible for all products supplied to JOMA to comply with JOMA health and safety product standards so that the commercialised products do not entail any risk to customers.
8. Environmental awareness
Manufacturers and suppliers shall be duly committed at all times to protect the environment and shall comply with the standards and requirements of the applicable local and international Laws and Regulations.
Likewise, they commit to comply with environmental standards established by JOMA including, if applicable, the necessary measures to reduce and compensate such impact in order to apply said standards.
9. Confidentiality of information
Manufacturers and suppliers shall preserve the integrity and confidentiality of the information they may receive as a consequence of their commercial relationship with JOMA.
The obligation of confidentiality will remain once the relation with JOMA is terminated and it will include the obligation to return any material related to the company held by the manufacturer or supplier.
(1) Aspects related to such limitations will be governed by Conventions 29 and 105 of International Labour Organisation (ILO).
(2) Aspects related to prohibition of child labour will be developed according to Conventions 138 and 182 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
(3) Aspects related to labour conditions for young workers will be governed by ILO Recommendation 190.
(4) Aspects related to labour conditions relation to work health and safety will be governed by ILO Convention 155.
(5) Aspects related to payment of wages will be governed by ILO Conventions 26 and 131.