Ethical Trading Policy
Introduction.
This document is designed to assist all factories involved in the production of Cucumber Clothing product to protect the integrity and reputation of the brand and ensure compliance with Cucumber Clothing’s ethical trade policies.
This document is intended as a guideline only.
Cucumber Clothing believes that by working together with all factories we can strengthen our business and improve the quality of life of the people who Cucumber Clothing affects. The policy exists for the purposes of promoting safe and fair working conditions and responsible management of environmental and social issues.
Employment is chosen freely
- There should be no forced, bonded or involuntary labour.
Freedom of Association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
- Workers have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choice and bargain collectively.
- The employer should adopt an open attitude towards trade union activities.
Working Conditions are Safe and Hygienic
Workers should receive regular and recorded health and safety training.
- Access to clean toilet facilities and drinking water and appropriate facilities for food storage should be provided.
- There should be a senior member of management staff responsible for health and safety.
- A safe and hygienic working environment should be provided; steps should be taken to prevent accidents and injury to health.
Child Labour
- There must be NO child labour.
- Staff under the age of 18 must not be employed in hazardous conditions, and not at night.
Living Wages
- All wages and benefits paid for a standard working week must meet a minimum of the following – national legal standards or industry benchmark standards, whichever is higher.
- Factories must supply written information regarding their employment conditions and wages before commencing employment.
- Staff must be informed in writing of the pay period – how and when they will be paid and any deductions that may be taken.
- Deductions from wages for disciplinary means is not permitted, nor any deductions (except those required by national law) should be taken without written permission of the employee.
- Any disciplinary measures should be recorded.
Worker Facilities
- Must be cleaned and maintained.
- Should be well lit and ventilated.
Excessive Working Hours
- Working hours should comply with national laws or industry standards whichever affords the greatest protection.
- Overtime must be voluntary.
Discrimination
There must be no discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination (or retirement) based on race, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership or political affiliation.
No Harsh or Inhumane treatment is allowed
- Physical, verbal and sexual abuse or discipline or the threat of abuse, harassment or other forms of intimidation are prohibited.
- Factories will have a formal grievance disciplinary procedure with documented records of individual disciplinary hearings. This procedure will support fair treatment of staff.
Entitlement to Work and Migration
- Factories should only employ workers with a legal right to work in the
Health and Safety
- Relevant national and international laws and standards for health and safety must be adhered to.
- Standards should be regularly revised to ensure that any updates and changes to national and international law are met.
Health and Safety Policy
- This should be communicated to all workers and be written in both English and local languages ensuring that all workers understand.
- This policy should include statutory regulations and codes of practice relating to Health and Safety.
Fire Safety
The three main priorities must be addressed.
- Reducing the risk of fire
- Having an effective emergency evacuation plan
- Having adequate fire fighting equipment readily available for use.
Electrical Safety
- Care and special precautions must be taken when electricity is used.
- Damage to electrical equipment and wires must be fixed as soon as possible and the equipment not used until the damage has been rectified.
- Electrical equipment must be checked regularly by a trained professional.
Machine Safety
- Extra care must be taken in the cutting area, as this is the most dangerous room in the factory. This area should be kept clean and tidy.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be provided e.g. when using circular hand cutters or band knives, dust masks and chain mail cutting gloves should be provided and used.
- Workers must be specifically trained to operate any dangerous equipment
PPE should be provided free of charge to the workers.
- Factories should educate any workers reluctant to wear PPE
- Do ensure that signs are posted illustrating the requirement to use PPE and encourage its use.
Protection of the Environment
- Factories must carry out their work in accordance with national laws, regulations, administrative practices and policies relating to the preservation of the environment in the countries in which they operate as well as in accordance with the relevant international agreements, principles, objectives, responsibilities and standards with regard to the environment.