Code of conduct

Introduction

Koeka commits with this Code of Conduct to outline the minimum standards of all business conduct and describes our fundamental principles and values on behalf.

Koeka requires business partners to comply with the described standards in this Code of Conduct. This Code of conduct is applicable to all business partners and specifies requirements towards our production facilities, their suppliers and subcontractors, and other third parties. This Code of Conduct is based on the conventions of the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the Code of Conduct of the BSCI (1-2014) (approved by the Foreign Trade Association), and is in compliance with national and international legislation.

Koeka shall end a business relationship, whenever it becomes apparent that a business partner does not act in accordance with the requirements, neither undertakes corrective actions to do so, set out in this Code of Conduct.

Because we care.

We strive to develop functional, durable products of a high quality standard, which therefore last several years. For that reason, the majority of our products carry the Öko-tex label. Ökotex 100 Level 1- is the highest possible rating which is therefore valid for the most fragile group; babies & children. For our baby & care products, this is our standard. The materials are tested on a yearly basis.

Code Compliance

All business partners: our production facilities, their suppliers and subcontractors, and third parties, shall obey the national and international legislation applicable to the type of industry and the operating country. Business partners must notify Koeka immediately, in case of any deviation between national and international laws/regulations and this Code of Conduct, before signing this Code of Conduct and need to seek ways to abide by the principles that provide the highest protection. Including any conflict occurring from a Code of Conduct used by a subcontractor or third party. This Code of Conduct does not replace other obligations as laid down in other agreements between Koeka and suppliers such as, but not limited to, supplier manuals, textual guidelines and/or other agreements between parties.

Non-discrimination

Recruitment, remuneration policy, admittance to training and employee promotion policy, termination or retirement, and any other aspect of the employment relationship shall be based on the principles of equal opportunity. There shall be no discrimination, exclusion, or any preference on the basis of gender, age, religion, race, caste, birth, social background, disability, ethnic and national origin, nationality, membership in unions or any other legitimated organizations, political affiliation or opinions, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, marital status, diseases or any other condition that could give rise to discrimination. Migrant workers shall have exactly the same entitlements as local employees. All workers shall be treated with respect and dignity.

Regulations set by ILO Conventions 100, 111, 143, 158, 159, 183

Prohibition of child labor and protection of young workers

The direct or indirect use of child labor shall not be tolerated under any circumstance. The age for admission to employment shall not be less than the age of completion of compulsory schooling as defined by the law and in any case not less than 15 years. There shall be no forms of slavery, practices similar to slavery, such as sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and serfdom and forced or compulsory labor. All legal limitations on the employment of young workers below the age of 18 years must be followed. Young workers shall be protected against conditions that are harmful, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, to their health, safety morals and development. Operations do not prejudice attendance at school or participation in training or instruction programs approved by recognized authorities.

Regulations set by ILO Conventions 10, 79, 138, 182

Forced labor

There shall be no use of forced, including bonded or prison, labor or any engagement in servitude, lodging deposits, retention of identity documents, indentured, trafficked or non-voluntary labor that violates basic human rights.

Regulations set by ILO Conventions 29, 105

Freedom of association

The right of all workers to form and join trade unions freely and in a democratic manner, and bargain collectively, shall be recognized. Koeka shall facilitate parallel means for all workers in situations in which the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining are limited by the law. Workers shall not be the subject of discrimination and shall have access to all workplaces necessary to carry out their functions with respect to the right of freedom of association.

Regulations set by ILO Conventions 87, 98, 135

Proper working hours

Working hours intent to comply with applicable national, international laws and regulations and industry standards. In any event, workers shall not, on a regular basis, be enforced to work in excess of 48 hours per week and shall be provided with at least one day off for every seven-day period of time. Overtime must be voluntary, this will not exceed 12 hours per week, shall not be demanded on a regular basis and shall always be compensated at a premium rate in accordance with the law. Overtime shall not increase the likelihood of occupational hazards. Workers shall be correctly compensated for any type of paid leave to which they are legally entitled.

Regulations set by ILO Conventions 1, 14

Living wage

All workers have the right to receive a fair compensation that is sufficient to provide them with a decent and favorable living for themselves and their families. Compensation must be paid regularly, on time, and must reflect the skills, education and working hours including overtime of the workers. The minimum standard applicable is at least the governments’ minimum wage legislation, the prevailing industry wage or the wage negotiated on the basis of collective bargaining, whichever is higher. Illegal, unauthorized or disciplinary deductions from wages shall be prohibited unless a freely negotiated bargaining agreement is in force. All workers shall be made aware of their payment conditions before they commence their employment and receive a copy of the labor contract.

Regulations set by ILO Conventions 12, 26, 100, 101, 102, 131

Safety and health in the workplace

A safe and hygienic working environment shall be provided, and best occupational health and safety practice shall be promoted, bearing in mind the prevailing knowledge of industry and its specific hazards. Effective laws and regulations shall be implemented to prevent accidents and minimise health risks as much as possible. Business partners shall take all appropriate measures within their sphere of influence to ensure stable and safe equipment and buildings and shall ensure access to drinking water, safe and clean eating and resting areas. Physical abuse, threats of physical abuse, unusual punishments or discipline, sexual and other harassment, and intimidation is strictly prohibited. Vulnerable individuals such as, but not limited to, young workers, new and expecting mothers and disabled workers shall receive special protection.

Regulations set by ILO Conventions 155, 170

Safeguarding the environment

Business partners shall take responsibility and necessary measures to avoid environmental degradation by preventing or minimizing adverse effects on the community, natural resources and the overall environment, without any exception. Business partners shall have the relevant environmental permits and licenses for its operations. Procedures and standards for waste management, handling and disposure of chemical, and other dangerous materials, emissions, and effluent treatment must meet or exceed minimum legal standards in accordance to national and international legislation.

Animal welfare

We believe that animals are entitled to humane treatment and to having their basic needs met. Our business partners shall take responsibility and necessary measures to source animal-based raw materials in a way that meets our requirements and is fully traceable. Any product that involves animal-based materials and merchandise must follow a checklist and instructions to ensure that the policy is being followed.

Monitoring and enforcement

All business partners shall define and implement a policy for social accountability and a management system to ensure the requirements outlined in this Code of Conduct. Business partners are required to be transparent and not intentionally misleading the Code of Conduct. Ethical behavior, following the Code of Conduct, is required and any breach or conflict needs to be reported to Koeka’ local management immediately. The Code of Conduct includes the right to make unannounced visits and unlimited access to all areas, documents and workers by Koeka or a designated third party to evaluate the ethical behavior with respect to this Code of Conduct. Relevant documentation must be maintained at all times. Business partners are required not to be involved in any act of corruption, extortion or embezzlement or any form of bribery. Koeka management is responsible for the continuous improvement by taking corrective measures and periodical review of this Code of Conduct as well as the communication of the Code of Conduct to all business partners. All business partners are expected to inform their subcontractors, and other business partners. Koeka demands all business partners and herself to do their utmost to achieve, and to continuously strive for, all standards in this Code of Conduct.

Any questions regarding our Code of Conduct?

Pls inform us at info@koekawebshop.nl