DROPS Design
Code of Conduct

1. Forced and compulsory labour and Freedom of Association

There shall be no forced, bonded or involuntary prison labour. Workers shall not be required to lodge deposits or identity papers with their employer and shall be free to leave their employer after reasonable notice. Workers, without distinction, shall have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing and to bargain collectively. The employer shall not interfere with, obstruct, the formation of unions or collective bargaining.

2. Harsh or Inhumane Treatment and Discrimination

Physical abuse or punishment, or threats of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment and verbal abuse, as well as other forms of intimidation, is prohibited. Business partners shall not discriminate, at any stage in the employment relationship including hiring, access to training, promotion, termination, retirement, or in any other employment practices such as compensation, benefits and discipline, based on race, colour, lineage, national origin, social class, religion, age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy and maternal status, union membership or political affiliation.

3. Child Labour

The minimum age for workers shall not be less than 15 and comply with the national minimum age for employment, or; the age of completion of compulsory education, whichever of these is higher. If the local minimum is set at 14 years in accordance with developing country exceptions under ILO Convention 138, this lower age may apply. No person under the age of 18 shall be engaged in labour that is hazardous to their health, safety or morals, including night work.

4. Health and Safety

The working environment shall be safe and hygienic, bearing in mind the prevailing knowledge of the industry and of any specific hazards. Hazardous chemicals and other substances shall be carefully managed. Adequate steps shall be 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. Access to clean toilet facilities and to potable water, and, if appropriate, sanitary facilities for food storage shall be provided.

5. Wages

Wages and benefits paid for a standard working week shall as minimum meet national legal standards or industry benchmark standards, whichever is higher. Wages should always be enough to meet basic needs, including some discretionary income. All workers shall be provided with a written and comprehensible contract outlining their wage conditions and method of payments before entering employment. Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure shall not be permitted.

6. Working Hours

Working hours shall comply with national laws and benchmark industry standards, and not more than prevailing international standards. Workers shall be provided with at least one day off for every 7 day period. Overtime shall be limited and voluntary. Workers shall always receive overtime pay for all hours worked over and above the normal working hours, minimum in accordance with relevant legislation. All workers are entitled to a contract of employment in a language they understand. Obligations to employees under international conventions, national law and regulations concerning regular employment shall not be avoided through the use of short term contracting (such as contract labour, casual labour or day labour), sub-contractors or other labour relationships.

7. Environment

Negative impact on the environment shall be reduced throughout the value chain. In line with the precautionary principle, measures shall be taken to continuously minimize greenhouse gas emissions and local pollution, the use of harmful chemicals, pesticides, and to ensure sustainable resource extraction and management of water, oceans, forest and land, and the conservation of biodiversity. Vendors shall act in accordance with national and international environmental legislation and regulations, and relevant discharge permits shall be obtained. Hazardous chemicals and other substances shall be carefully managed.

8. Animal welfare

Animal welfare shall be respected. Measures should be taken to minimize any negative impact on the welfare of livestock and working animals. National and international animal welfare legislation and regulations shall be respected. The use of unethical and inhumane production processes such as mulesing is prohibited.

9. Corruption

Corruption in any form is not accepted, including bribery, extortion, kickbacks and improper private or professional benefits to customers, agents, contractors, vendors or employees of any such party or government officials.