The RCMP Foundation has taken measures and has ongoing efforts to ensure that all products are made in socially compliant factories, where workers are treated fairly.
Our minimum and non-negotiable requirement is that all licensees follow our Supplier Code Of Conduct
The RCMP Foundation (“Foundation”) is committed to conducting its business affairs in a manner consistent with its employee personnel policies and expects its licensees to conduct their business in a manner consistent with, and follow workplace standards that adhere to this Code of Conduct (the “Code”). The Code is subject to amendment to reflect any subsequently developed standards either by the Foundation or The RCMP whose code the Foundation chooses to adopt.
Foundation licensees and their contractors must operate workplaces, and ensure that their contractors operate workplaces, that adhere to the following minimum standards and practices:
A. Legal Compliance
Foundation licensees and their contractors must comply, at a minimum, with all applicable legal requirements of the country in which products are manufactured. Where this Code and the applicable laws of the country of manufacture conflict or differ, the higher standard shall prevail. Such compliance shall include compliance with all applicable environmental laws.
B. Ethical Principles
Licensees shall commit to conduct their business according to a set of ethical standards which include, but are not limited to, honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, and respect for the unique intrinsic value of each human being.
C. Employment Standards
The Foundation will do business only with licensees whose workers are present to work voluntarily, are not at undue risk of physical harm, are fairly compensated, and are not exploited in any way.
In addition, the following specific guidelines must be followed:
Wages and Benefits
Licensees and their contractors must provide wages and benefits which comply with all applicable laws and regulations and which match or exceed the local prevailing wages and benefits in the relevant industry, or which constitute a living wage, whichever provides greater wages and benefits.
Working Hours
Except in extraordinary circumstances, employees shall (i) not be required to work more than the lesser of (a) 48 hours per week and 12 hours overtime per week, or (b) the limits on regular and overtime hours allowed by the law of the country of manufacture; and (ii) be entitled to at least one day off in every 7-day period.
Overtime Compensation
In addition to their compensation for regular hours of work, employees shall be compensated for overtime hours at such a premium rate as is legally required in that country, but not less than at a rate equal to their regular hourly compensation rate.
Child Labour
No person shall be employed at an age younger than 16 (or 15 where, consistent with International Labor Organization practices for developing countries, the law of the country of manufacture allows such exception). Where the age for completing compulsory education is higher than the standard for the minimum age of employment stated above, the higher age for completing compulsory education shall apply to this section. Licensees agree to work with governmental, human rights, and non-governmental organizations, as determined by the Foundation and licensee, to minimize the negative impact on any child released from employment as a result of the enforcement of this Code.
Forced Labour
There shall not be any use of forced labour, whether in the form of prison labour, indentured labour, bonded labour or otherwise.
Health and Safety
Licensees and their contractors must provide workers with a safe and healthy work environment and must, at a minimum, comply with local and national health and safety laws. If residential facilities are provided to workers, they must be safe and healthy facilities.
Non-discrimination
Licensees and their contractors shall employ individuals solely on the basis of their ability to perform the job. Licensees and their contractors may not discriminate against employees in subsequent personnel decisions. The pregnancy of an employee shall not be used as a basis for disciplinary treatment or termination of employment. Licensees and their contractors shall use their best efforts to reinstate workers who have taken maternity leave to the same or similar position at the same rate of pay and benefits. No employee or prospective employee shall be subjected to involuntary use of contraceptives or pregnancy testing.
Harassment or Abuse
Every employee shall be treated with dignity and respect. No employee shall be subject to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse. Licensees will not use or tolerate any form of corporal punishment.
Freedom of Association
Licensees and their contractors shall recognize and respect the right of employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining with bargaining representatives of their own choice. No employee shall be subject to harassment, intimidation or retaliation as a result of his or her efforts to freely associate or bargain collectively.