OUR CODE OF CONDUCT
Uniontex is committed to building long-term business relationships based on trust, teamwork, integrity, transparency and mutual respect. We expect all employees, suppliers, contractors and business partners to uphold the same principles.
At the heart of our corporate values is the belief that diversity should be respected and that every individual should be treated fairly, equally and with dignity.
Uniontex designs, manufactures and supplies outdoor rainwear and protective workwear. Throughout our operations, we are committed not only to complying with applicable laws and regulations, but also to maintaining responsible social, ethical and environmental practices. We expect our business partners to demonstrate the same commitment.
Uniontex works with contractors and suppliers who support continuous improvement and responsible practices in the following areas:
- Respecting employees’ rights, including freedom of association and collective bargaining, where permitted by law.
- Minimizing environmental impact and using resources responsibly.
- Providing a safe, healthy and hygienic workplace.
- Protecting the health, dignity and well-being of all employees.
Equal Treatment and Respect
All employees must be treated with dignity and respect. Harassment, intimidation, abuse, violence and corporal punishment are strictly prohibited.
Employment-related decisions, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, promotion, training, termination and retirement, must be based on qualifications, performance and the ability to perform the job.
Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, colour, gender, marital status, pregnancy or maternity status, religion, political opinion, age, disability, sexual orientation or any other status protected by applicable law is prohibited.
Implementation and Communication
This Code of Conduct applies wherever Uniontex operates. All contractors and suppliers involved in Uniontex production are required to follow these principles.
The Code must be displayed in prominent workplace areas and translated into a language understood by employees. Contractors must also ensure that employees receive appropriate training regarding their rights, responsibilities and applicable local laws.
The following standards define the minimum requirements expected from all Uniontex business partners.
Forced Labour
Forced, bonded, indentured, trafficked, prison or involuntary labour is strictly prohibited.
Employees must work voluntarily and must be free to leave their employment in accordance with applicable laws and contractual notice requirements. Employers may not retain employees’ identity documents, deposits or personal belongings as a condition of employment.
Child Labour
No person below the applicable legal minimum working age may be employed.
In all circumstances, Uniontex suppliers must not employ anyone under the age of 16, unless a higher minimum age is required by local law. Young workers who are legally employed must not perform hazardous work, work at night or undertake duties that could negatively affect their health, safety or education.
Homeworking may not be used for Uniontex production unless it has been formally approved and can be fully monitored for compliance.
Compensation
Employees must receive at least the applicable legal minimum wage or the prevailing industry wage, whichever is higher.
Wages must be paid regularly, accurately and on time. Employees must receive a clear written wage statement for every pay period.
Wage deductions must not be used as a disciplinary measure and may only be made where legally permitted.
Benefits
All employees must receive the benefits, insurance, leave and other entitlements required by applicable laws and employment contracts.
Working Hours and Overtime
Working hours must comply with applicable local laws and regulations.
Overtime must be voluntary, except where legally permitted and clearly communicated as a condition of employment. All overtime must be compensated at the legally required rate.
Employees must receive at least one day off in every seven-day period. Regular working hours and overtime should not exceed 60 hours per week unless exceptional circumstances are permitted by law and supported by appropriate safeguards.
Where local laws establish stricter limits, the stricter requirement shall apply.
Environment, Safety and Health
Contractors must establish and maintain documented environmental, health and safety policies and procedures.
Appropriate systems must be implemented to:
- identify and control workplace hazards;
- prevent accidents, injuries and occupational illnesses;
- provide safe machinery, equipment and working conditions;
- provide suitable personal protective equipment;
- maintain emergency preparedness and fire safety procedures;
- provide access to clean drinking water, sanitation and first-aid facilities;
- reduce emissions, waste, chemical use and other environmental impacts.
Employees must receive appropriate health and safety training relevant to their duties.
Documentation, Monitoring and Inspection
Contractors must maintain complete and accurate records demonstrating compliance with this Code of Conduct and all applicable laws.
Such records must be made available to Uniontex or its designated representatives upon request.
Uniontex reserves the right to conduct announced or unannounced inspections and audits of production facilities, employee records, workplace conditions and relevant management systems.
Contractors are expected to cooperate fully with all inspections and to implement corrective actions within agreed timelines where non-compliance is identified.
Continuous Improvement
Uniontex recognises that responsible business practices require continuous improvement.
Where non-compliance is identified, contractors are expected to investigate the root cause, develop an effective corrective action plan and prevent recurrence.
Serious or repeated violations, including forced labour, child labour, deliberate falsification of records or obstruction of inspections, may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.
