Preamble

Each individual’s human rights and dignity must be respected and protected. Humane living conditions must be provided for every person. This Social code of conduct (SCoC) has been formulated in the protection of every individual’s human right and liberty. In this SCoC BioBag International AS defines and stipulates requirements which must be implemented by all partners and suppliers. It constitutes the foundation of any co-operation.

Voluntary Employment

Voluntariness of employment must be guaranteed. Forced labour, hard labour, slave labour, penal servitude, or bondage (serfdom) is forbidden. Any illegal for of employment is prohibited. The identity of each person is to be maintained- i.e. employees cannot be forced to hand over their documents of identity to the employer.

Child labour

Child labour does not take place and is prohibited. By definition, a child is any person younger than 15 years of age (or 14, insofar by the conventions of ILO, International Labour Organisation, allow it). If regional regulations provide for higher age limits, they must be abided by. Every child is to be protected for exploitation and work which may expose it to danger; this also extends to activity which may hinder a child’s natural physical, spiritual, moral, and social development.

Discrimination

Discrimination of any kind is prohibited. Equality and equal opportunities are to be guaranteed for all employees irrespective of race, skin colour, sex, creed, political view, nationality, social background, culture, or any other distinctions.

Working Conditions

Working conditions must be humane. The aim is the payment of wages which cover the cost of living, insofar as the legal minimum wages are too low to achieve this. Reductions in wages as a disciplinary measure, is not permitted. The regular maximum working time per week is 48 hours. Any additional hours must be paid as overtime based on the applicable regulations and/ or the applicable industry practices in the region, whichever is the higher. On a regular basis, the weekly working time, including overtime, must not exceed 60 hours. Employees are entitled to at least one day off per week. Physical ill-treatment or treat of the same, degrading, and unfair punishment, corporal punishment, sexual or any other form of harassment and intimidation by the employer is strictly forbidden.

Safety & health

A safe and hygienic working environment must be ensured in accordance with the provided protective measures. Any housing supplied by the employer must provide for humane living conditions. At a minimum, it must meet current legal safety standards.

Freedom to organize and meet together

The lawful right of the employees to fund organizations of their choice, to become members of these organizations and carry out collective bargain must not be restricted in any manner. Violations of this Social Code of Conduct (SCoC) coming to the attention of BioBag International AS may lead to the termination of business relations.

Code of Conduct

Directives on social business practices regarding the compliance with social standards for Biobag International AS.