Policy Brief & Purpose
Our forced and child labour policy is our position on employing minors and aims to ensure that our company, its subsidiaries, and everyone we are connected with follows the law and cares for children interests.
International and national child labour laws are stricter today than they were years ago, but millions of children are still forced to work in bad conditions around the world.
As an organisation, we want to do business in a legal, ethical manner, adding value to society and the environment instead of doing harm. Helping stop child labor is fundamental to us.
This policy applies to our entire organisation and those we do business or partner with, including suppliers, vendors, and contractors.
Legal Guidance
- Follow the stricter law if more than one law applies, including national and international law.
- Require suppliers, partners, and vendors to follow the stricter applicable laws and recognize children rights.
- Require suppliers, subcontractors, and stakeholders to do the same.
Definitions
In this policy, children are people younger than 18 years of age. Young children are people younger than 14.
Child labour refers to work that deprives children of their childhood and affects their schooling, potential, and dignity. It is work that is harmful mentally, physically, and socially.
Young Children
When it comes to young children, we do not want to stand in the way of their health, schooling, or free time. We do not and will not employ anyone younger than the lawful age and require subsidiaries to do the same.
We are also committed not to do business with any organization that employs children. We will include this condition in every contract and reserve the right to break the contract without penalty if a stakeholder violates it and refuses to follow an elimination plan.
Legal Exceptions
Parental employment may apply in family-owned businesses where owners employ their young children, provided the work is not hazardous. We accept this regulation but will dissolve contracts if children are exposed to danger or consistently work during school hours.
Occasional work may be acceptable when parents introduce children to skills and work environments, provided it does not deprive children of school or put them in danger.
Older Children
When it comes to employing older children, we will always follow national and international laws. These children may have a job, but they should never do work that jeopardizes health and safety or affects schooling and development.
We may employ children older than 15 for light work such as short-distance deliveries or light cleaning duties. They will not use heavy or dangerous equipment, chemicals, or vehicles.
Work hours and wages will be determined by applicable laws, and children will not be employed for more than the maximum weekly or daily hours allowed.
Actions And Implementation
- Work with governments and organizations to end child labor and support community education.
- Educate staff on youth work laws and how to report child labor.
- Require hiring managers and HR to avoid hiring minors under the legal working age.
- Keep and validate documentation verifying employees age after they are hired.
- Communicate the no child labor policy to connected organizations and ensure contracts include appropriate stipulations.
- Audit suppliers and partners in high-risk industries periodically, including possible unannounced onsite visits.
- Demand and monitor elimination plans where suppliers discover child labor in their business.
- Employ or consult experts on child labor, health and safety standards, or corporate social responsibility.
Children Welfare Is Everyone Business
We want to grow and thrive as a business, but we are also committed to doing good by the community we belong in.
We ask employees and partners to follow this policy, not only because we demand it as an organization, but because securing a bright future for children is everyone duty.
