Sunnyland Mills Ethical Trading Policy
1. POLICY OBJECTIVE
Sunnyland Mills is determined to achieve the highest standards of ethical trading throughout its extended supply chain. We seek to gain agreement to our Ethical Trading Policy from our suppliers.
We recognize that, within our supply chains, there are different national cultures, with their own laws, norms and traditions, which we acknowledge and respect. Some suppliers will face more complex issues than others in implementing our Ethical Trading Policy. In these areas, Sunnyland Mills is committed to working with relevant bodies to deliver effective action plans for change. We believe that, by working together with our suppliers, we can strengthen our business and improve the quality of life of the people whom we touch.
The Policy exists for the purposes of promoting safe and fair working conditions and the responsible management of environmental and social issues in the Sunnyland Mills supply chain.
2. SCOPE
This policy applies to all members of Sunnyland Mills and our suppliers.
3. POLICY DETAILS
3.1.1 Ownership
- The President is responsible for the Sunnyland Mills Ethical Trading Policy (the “Policy”), and
reports to the Board of Directors.
3.1.2 Communication
- Sunnyland Mills will communicate and promote its Ethical Trading Policy internally and externally to relevant stakeholders.
- Suppliers are asked to promote the Policy to their own staff.
- Sunnyland Mills will take steps to ensure that relevant people are provided with appropriate training and guidelines to support the communication of the Policy.
3.1.3 Application
- Sunnyland Mills will work collaboratively, where possible, with its suppliers on the
implementation of the Policy.
- Sunnyland Mills is committed to work collaboratively with industry partners, Government organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) and trade unions to maximize implementation effectiveness and use the most relevant techniques to assess policy adherence.
3.1.4 Reporting
- We will report progress in the Sunnyland Mills Annual Board Meeting.
- Sunnyland Mills and its suppliers will use reasonable efforts to provide team members and other stakeholders with a confidential means to report any actual or potential breach of the Policy.
3.1.5 Audit and Compliance Points
- The proper implementation of and compliance with the standards set forth in this Policy will be assured by affirmative measures such as occasional inspection of suppliers' facilities and practices.
- Suppliers are expected to identify and correct any activities that conflict with the standard of the Policy via verifiable continual improvement programs agreed by the President.
- Suppliers shall report to Sunnyland Mills, through the President, any serious breaches of the Policy, together with a schedule for corrective action agreed by the Vice President.
- Where serious breaches of the Policy persist, Sunnyland Mills will consider termination of the business relationship with the specified supplier.
3.2 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
3.2.1 Employment is Freely Chosen
- California is an “employment at will” state per Labor Code Section 2922
- There is no forced, bonded or involuntary prison labor.
- Workers are not required to lodge "deposits" or their identity papers with their employer and are free to leave their employer after reasonable notice.
3.2.2 Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
- Workers, without distinction, have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing and to bargain collectively in accordance with applicable laws.
- The employer adopts an open attitude towards the activities of trade unions and their organizational activities.
- Sunnyland Mills will comply with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination against workers and their representatives.
3.2.3 Working Conditions are Safe and Hygienic
- A safe and hygienic working environment shall be provided, bearing in mind the prevailing knowledge of the industry and of any specific hazards. Adequate steps shall taken to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, associated with, or occurring in the course of work, by minimizing, so far as is reasonably practicable, the causes of hazards inherent in the working environment.
- Workers shall receive regular and recorded health and safety training, and such training shall be repeated for new or reassigned workers.
- Access to clean toilet facilities and to potable (drinking) water, and sanitary facilities for food storage shall be provided.
- The company observing the code shall assign responsibility for health and safety to a
senior management representative.
3.2.4 Child labor shall not be used
- There shall be no child labor.
- Young persons under 18 shall not be employed at night or in hazardous conditions (these conditions are subject to 3.2.3).
3.2.5 Statutory minimum wages are paid
- Wages and benefits paid for a standard working week meet, at a minimum, California law or federal law, whichever is higher.
- All workers shall be provided with written and understandable information about their employment conditions in respect to wages before they enter employment and about the particulars of their wages for the pay period concerned each time that they are paid.
- Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure shall not be permitted nor shall any deductions from wages not provided for by US law be permitted without the express permission of the worker concerned. All disciplinary measures should be recorded.
3.2.6 Working hours are not excessive
- Working hours comply with US laws and benchmark industry standards, whichever affords greater protection.
3.2.7 No discrimination is practiced
- There is 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.
3.2.8 Regular employment is provided
- To every extent possible work performed must be on the basis of recognized employment relationship established through US law and practice.
- Obligations to team members under labor or social security laws and regulations arising from the regular employment relationship shall not be avoided through the use of labor-only contracting, sub-contracting, or home-working arrangements, or through apprenticeship schemes where there is no real intent to impart skills or provide regular employment, nor shall any such obligations be avoided through the excessive use of fixed-term contracts of employment. Sunnyland Mills reserves the right to use subcontractors, independent contractors, temporary team members to the fullest extent allowed by applicable law.
3.2.9 No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
- Physical abuse or discipline, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment and verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation shall be prohibited.
3.2.10 Protection Of The Environment
- Suppliers shall carry out their activities in accordance with US laws, regulations, administrative practices and policies relating to the preservation of the environment of the countries in which they operate as well as in accordance with relevant international agreements, principles, objectives, responsibilities and standards with regard to the environment.
