Jeanswest Responsible Sourcing Code of Conduct
Jeanswest Australia and New Zealand has a strong partnership with our suppliers who help to deliver the many products to our customers.
In sourcing these products we aim to uphold internationally agreed standards of labour and we expect our suppliers to treat all workers fairly, honestly and with respect for their basic human rights and wellbeing.
Our aim has always been to develop long term lasting relationships with our partners; as a result we have worked with our suppliers to ensure they have a sustainable, commercial, ethical and environmental focussed business.
Robust policies and procedures are essential in today’s manufacturing world. Our sourcing Code of Conduct sets out our expectations of suppliers on issues such as pay, working hours, child labour and workers’ rights.
It is our intention to continue to work with companies who share our values and who are prepared to commit themselves to meeting the requirements of this Code. We are, in turn, committed to work with suppliers to support improvements they feel are required. However, we may also take action if suppliers are not prepared to recognise this Code or work towards any of those required improvements.
We believe this Code establishes basic principles and will not be difficult to understand, support or commit to.
Jeanswest thanks you for your understanding and commitment to what we see as an important part of our company’s values and we look forward to many years of successful business together.
Introduction
Our Jeanswest Australia (JW) code of conduct sets forth our commitment to do only business with those manufacturers that share our commitment to safe and fair labour practices. One of our key brand values is treating everyone with respect, from our customers, our employees, to the communities we do business with.
Compliance with the law
JW requires all suppliers to comply fully with the legal requirements of the countries in which they operate. All requirements in this code are subject to the compliance with applicable local law and constitute a minimum and not a maximum standard. This code should not be used to prevent companies from exceeding these standards. If any standards set forth in this code, in the suppliers judgement, are deemed to violate an applicable law, they must advise JW immediately in writing.
Employment of children/young workers
JW has a zero tolerance policy on child labour. We define child labour as any work by a child or young person of an age which does not comply with the provisions of the relevant International labour Organization (ILO) standards, and any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child’s or young person’s education, or to be harmful to the child’s or young person’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development.
No Forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking
JW condemns forced/compulsory labour and human trafficking and will not knowingly work with suppliers who use these practices in the manufacture of our products.
Fair and Living wages
JW only work with Suppliers who provide wages and benefits in compliance with local labour laws. We encourage our suppliers to commit to the betterment of wage and benefit levels to address the basic needs of workers and their families.
Working hours
JW only work with suppliers that require a working week that meets with national and local laws and benchmark industry standards. Employee welfare and safety is of the upmost importance to us.
Fair Disciplinary practices
JW respect for human rights is a fundamental principle throughout our business practices and standards. We support the basic human right for respect and dignity. We will not knowingly work with Suppliers who factories utilize physical or mental punishments against their employees or any form of harassment.
Equality of treatment
JW respects all cultural differences. We believe our workers should be employed and compensated upon the ability to perform their job, rather than on the basis of their race, gender, personal characteristics, religious or cultural beliefs. We encourage suppliers to eliminate all discrimination in the workplace and move towards the equality of treatment for all employees or potential employees.
Freedom of association and collective bargaining
Suppliers shall respect the rights of employees to lawfully associate or not associate with groups of their choosing, as long as those groups are legal in the country where our product is made. Suppliers should facilitate and not hinder the development of a parallel means of independent and free association and bargaining.
Regular Employment
Suppliers shall not employ workers on repeated temporary contracts, labour only contracting, sub-contracting or home working or any other schemes that have no real intent to impart skills or provide regular employment arrangements merely to avoid paying wages and other benefits given to permanent workers.
Health and safety
Suppliers shall provide a safe and sanitary working environment. Adequate steps should be taken to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, associated with, or occurring in the course of work, by minimising, so far as reasonably practical, the causes of hazards inherent in the working environment.
Bribery and corruption
JW operate a no tolerance policy on bribery and corruption. The offering, paying, soliciting or accepting of bribes or kickbacks, including facilitation payments is strictly prohibited.
Environment
JW seek to share its commitment to the environment and use only those suppliers who operate in compliance with applicable environmental laws.
Subcontracting
Suppliers will not outsource any production to subcontractors without the prior authorization of JW. Those suppliers who outsource work will be responsible for the enforcement of our code of conduct by these third parties and their employees. They should be given transparency to the locations and working conditions of all employees.
Implementation of the Code of Conduct
Suppliers must be able to provide details of all factories making products for JW. They must ensure that reasonable access is allowed for all JW staff and their representatives for the purpose of monitoring, inspecting and assessing the implementation of this code.
Continuous Improvement
JW will strive to continually improve our code of conduct through seeking feedback from suppliers and our continuous assessments and reviews.