POLICIES & CERTIFICATES

Participants are committed to uphold the human rights of workers, and to treat them with dignity and respect as understood by the international community. This applies to all workers including temporary, migrant, student, contract, direct employees, and any other type of worker. The recognized standards, as set out in the annex, were used as references in preparing the Code and may be a useful source of additional information.

The labor standards are:

1)Freely Chosen Employment

Forced, bonded (including debt bondage) or indentured labor, involuntary or exploitative prison labor, slavery or trafficking of persons shall not be used. This includes transporting, harboring, recruiting, transferring or receiving persons by means of threat, force, coercion, abduction or fraud for labor or services. There shall be no unreasonable restrictions on workers’ freedom of movement in the facility in addition to unreasonable restrictions on entering or exiting company-provided facilities. As part of the hiring process, workers must be provided with a written employment agreement in their native language that contains a description of terms and conditions of employment prior to the worker departing from his or her country of origin and there shall be no substitution or change(s) allowed in the employment agreement upon arrival in the receiving country unless these changes are made to meet local law and provide equal or better terms. All work must be voluntary and workers shall be free to leave work at any time or terminate their employment Employers and agents may not hold or otherwise destroy, conceal, confiscate or deny access by employees to their identity or immigration documents, such as government-issued identification, passports or work permits, unless such holdings are required by law. Workers shall not be required to pay employers’ or agents’ recruitment fees or other related fees for their employment. If any such fees are found to have been paid by workers, such fees shall be repaid to the worker.

2)Young Workers

Child labor is not to be used in any stage of manufacturing. The term “child” refers to any person under the age of 15, or under the age for completing compulsory education, or under the minimum age for employment in the country, whichever is greatest. The use of legitimate workplace learning programs, which comply with all laws and regulations, is supported. Workers under the age of 18 (Young Workers) shall not perform work that is likely to jeopardize their health or safety, including night shifts and overtime. Participant shall ensure proper management of student workers through proper maintenance of student records, rigorous due diligence of educational partners, and protection of students’ rights in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Participant shall provide appropriate support and training to all student workers. In the absence of local law, the wage rate for student workers, interns and apprentices shall be at least the same wage rate as other entry-level workers performing equal or similar tasks.

3) Working Hours

Studies of business practices clearly link worker strain to reduced productivity, increased turnover and increased injury and illness. Working hours are not to exceed the maximum set by local law. Further, a workweek should not be more than 60 hours per week, including overtime, except in emergency or unusual situations. Workers shall be allowed at least one day off every seven days.

4)Wages and Benefits

Compensation paid to workers shall comply with all applicable wage laws, including those relating to minimum wages, overtime hours and legally mandated benefits. In compliance with local laws, workers shall be compensated for overtime at pay rates greater than regular hourly rates. Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure shall not be permitted. For each pay period, workers shall be provided with a timely and understandable wage statement that includes sufficient information to verify accurate compensation for work performed. All use of temporary, dispatch and outsourced labor will be within the limits of the local law.

5)Humane Treatment

There is to be no harsh and inhumane treatment including any sexual harassment, sexual abuse, corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion or verbal abuse of workers; nor is there to be the threat of any such treatment. Disciplinary policies and procedures in support of these requirements shall be clearly defined and communicated to workers.

6)Non-Discrimination

Participants should be committed to a workforce free of harassment and unlawful discrimination. Companies shall not engage in discrimination based on race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, political affiliation, union membership, covered veteran status, protected genetic information or marital status in hiring and employment practices such as wages, promotions, rewards, and access to training. Workers shall be provided with reasonable accommodation for religious practices. In addition, workers or potential workers should not be subjected to medical tests or physical exams that could be used in a discriminatory way. This was drafted in consideration of ILO Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No.111).

7)Freedom of Association

In conformance with local law, participants shall respect the right of all workers to form and join trade unions of their own choosing, to bargain collectively and to engage in peaceful assembly as well as respect the right of workers to refrain from such activities. Workers and/or their representatives shall be able to openly communicate and share ideas and concerns with management regarding working conditions and management practices without fear of discrimination, reprisal, intimidation or harassment.

Participants recognize that in addition to minimizing the incidence of work-related injury and illness, a safe and healthy work environment enhances the quality of products and services, consistency of production and worker retention and morale. Participants also recognize that ongoing worker input and education is essential to identifying and solving health and safety issues in the workplace.

Recognized management systems such as ISO 45001 and ILO Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health were used as references in preparing the Code and may be a useful source of additional information.

The health and safety standards are:

1) Emergency Preparedness

Potential emergency situations and events are to be identified and assessed, and their impact minimized by implementing emergency plans and response procedures including: emergency reporting, employee notification and evacuation procedures, worker training and drills, appropriate fire detection and suppression equipment, clear and unobstructed egress adequate exit facilities and recovery plans. Such plans and procedures shall focus on minimizing harm to life, the environment and property.

2) Occupational Injury and Illness

Procedures and systems are to be in place to prevent, manage, track and report occupational injury and illness including provisions to: encourage worker reporting; classify and record injury and illness cases; provide necessary medical treatment; investigate cases and implement corrective actions to eliminate their causes; and facilitate return of workers to work.

3) Industrial Hygiene

Worker exposure to chemical, biological and physical agents is to be identified, evaluated, and controlled according to the hierarchy of controls. Potential hazards are to be eliminated or controlled through proper design, engineering and administrative controls. When hazards cannot be adequately controlled by such means, workers are to be provided with and use appropriate, well-maintained, personal protective equipment. Protective programs shall include educational materials about the risks associated with these hazards.

4) Physically Demanding Work

Worker exposure to the hazards of physically demanding tasks, including manual material handling and heavy or repetitive lifting, prolonged standing and highly repetitive or forceful assembly tasks is to be identified, evaluated and controlled.

5) Machine Safeguarding

Production and other machinery shall be evaluated for safety hazards. Physical guards, interlocks and barriers are to be provided and properly maintained where machinery presents an injury hazard to workers.

6) Sanitation, Food, and Housing

Workers are to be provided with ready access to clean toilet facilities, potable water and sanitary food preparation, storage, and eating facilities. Worker dormitories provided by the Participant or a labor agent are to be maintained to be clean and safe, and provided with appropriate emergency egress, hot water for bathing and showering, adequate lighting heat and ventilation, individually secured accommodations for storing personal and valuable items, and reasonable personal space along with reasonable entry and exit privileges.

7) Health and Safety Communication

Participant shall provide workers with appropriate workplace health and safety information and training in the language of the worker or in a language the worker can understand for all identified workplace hazards that workers are exposed to, including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, chemical, fire, and physical hazards. Health and safety related information shall be clearly posted in the facility or placed in a location identifiable and accessible by workers. Training is provided to all workers prior to the beginning of work and regularly thereafter. Workers shall be encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns without retaliation.

Participants recognize that environmental responsibility is integral to producing world class products. In manufacturing operations, adverse effects on the community, environment and natural resources are to be minimized while safeguarding the health and safety of the public. Recognized management systems such as ISO 14001 and the Eco Management and Audit System (EMAS) were used as references in preparing the Code and may be a useful source of additional information.

The environmental standards are:

1) Environmental Permits and Reporting

All required environmental permits (e.g. discharge monitoring), approvals and registrations are to be obtained, maintained and kept current and their operational and reporting requirements are to be followed.

2) Pollution Prevention and Resource Reduction

Emissions and discharges of pollutants and generation of waste are to be minimized or eliminated at the source or by practices such as adding pollution control equipment; modifying production, maintenance and facility processes; or by other means. The use of natural resources, including water, fossil fuels, minerals and virgin forest products, is to be conserved or by practices such as modifying production, maintenance and facility processes, materials substitution, re-use, conservation, recycling or other means.

3) Hazardous Substances

Chemicals, waste, and other materials posing a hazard to humans or the environment are to be identified, labeled, and managed to ensure their safe handling, movement, storage, use, recycling or reuse, and disposal.

4) Solid Waste

Participant shall implement a systematic approach to identify, manage, reduce, and responsibly dispose of or recycle solid waste (non-hazardous).

5) Air Emissions

Air emissions of volatile organic chemicals, aerosols, corrosives, particulates, ozone depleting chemicals and combustion by-products generated from operations are to be characterized, routinely monitored, controlled and treated as required prior to discharge. Participant shall conduct routine monitoring of the performance of its air emission control systems.

6) Materials Restrictions

Participants are to adhere to all applicable laws, regulations and customer requirements regarding prohibition or restriction of specific substances in products and manufacturing, including labeling for recycling and disposal.

7) Water Management

Participant shall implement a water management program that documents, characterizes, and monitors water sources, use and discharge; seeks opportunities to conserve water; and controls channels of contamination. All wastewater is to be characterized, monitored, controlled, and treated as required prior to discharge or disposal. Participant shall conduct routine monitoring of the performance of its wastewater treatment and containment systems to ensure optimal performance and regulatory compliance.

8) Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Participants are to establish a corporate-wide greenhouse gas reduction goal. Energy consumption and all relevant Scopes 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions are to be tracked, documented, and publicly reported against the greenhouse gas reduction goal. Participants are to look for methods to improve energy efficiency and to minimize their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

To meet social responsibilities and to achieve success in the marketplace, Participants and their agents are to uphold the highest standards of ethics including:

1) Business Integrity

The highest standards of integrity are to be upheld in all business interactions. Participants shall have a zero tolerance policy to prohibit any and all forms of bribery, corruption, extortion and embezzlement.

2) No Improper Advantage

Bribes or other means of obtaining undue or improper advantage are not to be promised, offered, authorized, given or accepted. This prohibition covers promising, offering, authorizing, giving or accepting anything of value, either directly or indirectly through a third party, in order to obtain or retain business, direct business to any person, or otherwise gain an improper advantage. Monitoring and enforcement procedures shall be implemented to ensure compliance with anti-corruption laws.

3) Disclosure of Information

All business dealings should be transparently performed and accurately reflected on Participant’s business books and records. Information regarding participant labor, health and safety, environmental practices, business activities, structure, financial situation and performance is to be disclosed in accordance with applicable regulations and prevailing industry practices. Falsification of records or misrepresentation of conditions or practices in the supply chain are unacceptable.

4) Intellectual Property

Intellectual property rights are to be respected; transfer of technology and know- how is to be done in a manner that protects intellectual property rights; and, customer and supplier information is to be safeguarded..

5) Fair Business, Advertising and Competition

Standards of fair business, advertising and competition are to be upheld.

6) Protection of Identity and Non-Retaliation

Programs that ensure the confidentiality, anonymity and protection of supplier and employee whistleblowers[ The Code is not intended to create new and additional third party rights, including for workers.] are to be maintained, unless prohibited by law. Participants should have a communicated process for their personnel to be able to raise any concerns without fear of retaliation.

7) Responsible Sourcing of Minerals

Participants shall adopt a policy and exercise due diligence on the source and chain of custody of the tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold in the products they manufacture to reasonably assure that they are sourced in a way consistent with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict Affected and High-Risk Areas or an equivalent and recognized due diligence framework.

8) Privacy

Participants are to commit to protecting the reasonable privacy expectations of personal information of everyone they do business with, including suppliers, customers, consumers and employees. Participants are to comply with privacy and information security laws and regulatory requirements when personal information is collected, stored, processed, transmitted, and shared.

Participants shall adopt or establish a management system whose scope is related to the content of this Code. The management system shall be designed to ensure: (a) compliance with applicable laws, regulations and customer requirements related to the participant’s operations and products; (b) conformance with this Code; and (c) identification and mitigation of operational risks related to this Code. It should also facilitate continual improvement. The management system should contain the following elements:

1) Company Commitment

A corporate social and environmental responsibility policy statements affirming Participant’s commitment to compliance and continual improvement, endorsed by executive management and posted in the facility in the local language.

2) Management Accountability and Responsibility

The Participant clearly identifies senior executive and company representative(s) responsible for ensuring implementation of the management systems and associated programs. Senior management reviews the status of the management system on a regular basis.

3) Legal and Customer Requirements

A process to identify, monitor and understand applicable laws, regulations and customer requirements, including the requirements of this Code.

4) Risk Assessment and Risk Management

A process to identify the legal compliance, environmental, health and safety[ Areas to be included in a risk assessment for environmental health and safety are production areas, warehouse and storage facilities, plant/facilities support equipment, laboratories and test areas, sanitation facilities (bathrooms), kitchen/cafeteria and worker housing/dormitories.] and labor practice and ethics risks associated with Participant’s operations. Determination of the relative significance for each risk and implementation of appropriate procedural and physical controls to control the identified risks and ensure regulatory compliance.

5) Improvement Objectives

Written performance objectives, targets and implementation plans to improve the Participant’s social and environmental performance, including a periodic assessment of Participant’s performance in achieving those objectives.

6) Training

Programs for training managers and workers to implement Participant’s policies, procedures and improvement objectives and to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

7) Communication

A process for communicating clear and accurate information about Participant’s policies, practices, expectations and performance to workers, suppliers and customers. Workers must be given a safe environment to provide grievance and feedback without fear of reprisal or retaliation.

8) Worker Feedback, Participation and Grievance

Ongoing processes, including an effective grievance mechanism, to assess employees’ understanding of and obtain feedback on or violations against practices and conditions covered by this Code and to foster continuous improvement. Workers must be given a safe environment to provide grievance and feedback without fear of reprisal or retaliation.

9) Audits and Assessments

Periodic self-evaluations to ensure conformity to legal and regulatory requirements, the content of the Code and customer contractual requirements related to social and environmental responsibility.

10) Corrective Action Process

A process for timely correction of deficiencies identified by internal or external assessments, inspections, investigations and reviews.

11) Documentation and Records

Creation and maintenance of documents and records to ensure regulatory compliance and conformity to company requirements along with appropriate confidentiality to protect privacy.

12) Supplier Responsibility

A process to communicate Code requirements to suppliers and to monitor supplier compliance to the Code.

The following standards were used in preparing this Code and may be a useful source of additional information. The following standards may or may not be endorsed by each Participant.

• Dodd-Frank W all Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
• Eco Management & Audit System
• Ethical Trading Initiative
• ILO Code of Practice in Safety and Health
• ILO International Labor Standards
• ISO 14001
• National Fire Protection Agency
• OECD Due Diligence Guidance
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• United Nations Convention Against Corruption
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
• United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
• United Nations Global Compact
• United States Federal Acquisition Regulation
• SA 8000
• SAI
• Social Accountability International (SAI)

The RBA Code of Conduct was initially developed by a number of companies engaged in the manufacture of electronics products between June and October 2004. Companies are invited and encouraged to adopt this Code. You may obtain additional information from:  https://www.responsiblebusiness.org