Ethical Guidelines for Suppliers and Subcontractors

Purchasing for the University of Guelph

Source

• University of Guelph Code of Ethical Conduct for Suppliers and Subcontractors in Relation to Working Conditions and Employment Standards http://www.uoguelph.ca/ethicalbuying/UniversityofGuelphCodeofConduct_Policy_June6_2012.pdf

• Procedures for the Implementation of the University of Guelph Code of Ethical Conduct for Suppliers and Subcontractors in Relation to Working Conditions and Employment Standards http://www.uoguelph.ca/ethicalbuying/UniversityofGuelphCodeofConduct_Procedures_June6_2012.pdf

Purpose

• To conduct University of Guelph business affairs in an ethical manner

• To set workplace standards to be met by suppliers and subcontractors doing business with the university

• To improve working conditions for workers in manufacturing and distribution

What do these guidelines apply to?

• University of Guelph purchases from suppliers and subcontractors related to the following:

• Clothing • Products bearing the name, logo, image or trademark of the

University that are sold or given away as promotional items• Products that are monitored by an independent third party

agency that is recognized by the University to facilitate the enforcement of the Code

Wages and Benefits

• Wages and benefits:

• Must meet the higher of national and international legal standards or industry benchmarks

• Should provide for a living wage for workers and their families

• Should provide some discretionary income

Wages and Benefits

• Wages must be:

• Paid in a timely manner (no longer than one month after the hours are worked)

• Paid in a manner directly accessible to the worker

Wages and Benefits

• Workers must be provided with:

• Written and oral information about their employment conditions, including wages, before they enter employment

• Written information about the particulars of their wages for each pay period

Wages and Benefits

• Wage deductions for disciplinary purposes are not permitted

• Wage deductions not provided for by applicable law are not permitted

Hours of Work

• Workers must not be required to work more than the lesser of:

• 48 hours

• The maximum allowable under the Ontario Employment Standards Act

• The limits on hours allowed by law where the goods are made

Hours of Work

• Workers must be entitled to :

• At least one day off in every 7 day period

• Holidays and vacations as required by law where the goods are made

Overtime

• Wherever possible, overtime must be:

• Worked voluntarily• Paid at a premium rate• Documented

Child Labour

• A child is:

• Any person less than 15 years old

• With 2 exceptions:

• If the country where the goods are made has a higher age for work or mandatory schooling, then a child is any person less than that higher age

• If the country where the goods are made has a minimum age law set at 14 years, passed in accordance with International Labour Organization Convention 138, then a child is any person less than 14 years old

Child Labour

• University suppliers and subcontractors must not engage in or support the use of child labour

Child Labour

• Where children are found to be currently working in situations that constitute child labour, the University supplier or contractor will provide remediation to the child worker as appropriate and acceptable to the University

Forced Labour

• The use of forced labour is prohibited. This includes:

• Indentured labour

• Bonded labour

• Involuntary labour of prisoners

Health and Safety

• Working environment must be safe and hygienic

• Adequate steps must be taken to prevent illnesses, accidents and injuries due to work or working environment

• Workers must be given regular and recorded health safety training

Health and Safety

• Workers must be given access to clean toilet facilities and potable water

• Where appropriate, sanitary food storage must be provided

• Where provided, accommodation must be clean, safe and meet basic needs

Health and Safety

• Women workers must be provided with appropriate services and accommodations during pregnancy and postnatal periods

Human Rights

• Non-discrimination:

• Workers must not be subject to any discrimination in employment on the basis of gender, race, caste, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, family and marital status, reproductive status, union membership or activity, political opinion or activity, or social or ethnic origin

• Workers must be employed on the basis of their ability to do the job

Human Rights

• Harassment and Abuse

• Workers must be treated with dignity and respect

• Workers must not be subject to physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse

• Workers must not be subject to corporal punishment

• All discipline must be thoroughly documented

Labour Rights

• Workers have the right, as permissible by law, to freedom of association, to freely form and join unions of their choice, and to collective bargaining with bargaining representatives of their choice

• Where these labour rights are restricted by law, employers will not hinder the development of parallel means for independent and free association and bargaining

Labour Rights

• No worker or worker representative will be subject to harassment, intimidation or retaliation because of his or her efforts to freely associate or bargain collectively

Compliance and Accountability

• Suppliers and subcontractors:

• Must follow and comply with the Code

• Are responsible for ensuring compliance

• Must allow unannounced inspection of their manufacturing facilities

Contact Information

For more information you may contact:• Lisa Li

Manager, Purchasing Services

519.8254.4120 x58483

• Brenda Whiteside

Interim Director, Human Rights and Equity Office & Associate Vice-President (Student Affairs)

519.824.4120 x54713