SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
In line with our understanding of “Reliability” which takes place among our Corporate Values, for a more liveable future, within our facilities and at the side of our suppliers;
1. SOCIAL COMPLIANCE
1.1. RESPECT FOR HUMANITY
The employees will be treated with respect, and valued as any human should be. Under no circumstances physical punishment, sexual, racial or verbal harassment, abuse of authority, threats, forced or indentured labor shall be permitted. Work as payment of debt, or in prison, or illegal employment shall not be allowed. The employees’ right to resign with reasonable notice shall be respected. The employees’ freedom of movement shall not be restricted. No restriction based on race, caste, belief, nationality, religion, language, age, physical or psychological disability, gender, marital status, sexual preference, union membership, pregnancy, HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis, Covid-19 infection or political views etc. shall be applied during hiring, remuneration, training, promotion, termination or retirement processes. The employees shall be able to voice their requests, complaints, and recommendations through complaint mechanisms provided, without facing any risk of retribution.
1.2. CHILD LABOR AND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
Child labor –the labor of individuals younger than 16 years of age– shall not be used or supported. Employees older than 16 but younger than 18 years of age shall be employed as Youth Employees, in accordance with the applicable laws and standards. Youth employees shall not be subjected to circumstances which can be dangerous or unsafe with respect to their physical or psychological development and health.
1.3. FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND COLLECTIVE LABOR AGREEMENTS
Regardless of the employees involved, all personnel are guaranteed the rights to union organization and membership, and the right to collective labor agreement. The employees will not be treated unfairly due to the exercise of such rights. No fees or rewards will be offered to employees in return for the forfeit of such rights. In the same vein, labor union activities will be met with an open mind and cooperation. Employee representatives will be protected against discrimination, and will be allowed to freely perform the representation duties at the workplaces.
1.4. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Occupational Health and Safety will be prioritized to protect the employees from occupational accidents and diseases. A preventive attitude will be employed in all processes, to bring about and popularize the Occupational Health and Safety culture. The employees will be provided regular trainings. Compliance with local regulations, international conventions and standards will be achieved. Any health and safety risks associated with work will be minimized. The effectiveness of the process will be ensured with the help of the knowledge and expertise of the employees.
1.5. DISCIPLINARY ACTION
The employees shall be protected against all kinds of inhuman treatment and exploitation. Physical or psychological violence, or verbal or physical harassment will not be allowed under any circumstances in the context of disciplinary action. Monetary fines will not be applied.
1.6. FAIR WAGES
The pay for a standard work day shall be at least the statutory minimum wage. Pay below the minimum wage shall not be accepted under any circumstances. No deductions shall be applied over the employees’ wages, without their explicit consent, save for the cases stipulated in law.
1.7. GUARANTEED WORK AND WORK HOURS
All methods of employment in effect shall be compliant with applicable local laws and regulations. Therefore, the employees’ rights under labor and social security laws and regulations shall be made a part of their regular employment framework. The employees’ rights shall not be rendered ineffective, by employing plans based on irregular employment. The daily and monthly work periods and leaves shall be regulated in line with the provisions of legal regulations. Overtime work shall be based on voluntary consent, and shall be compensated with pay in compliance with regulations. Every employee will be able to check the details of her payroll.
1.8. ETHICAL BUSINESS BEHAVIOR
Under no circumstances bribes or commissions will be offered or accepted. Corruption and bribing will not be tolerated.
2. ENVIRONMENT
With a view of protecting the environment and minimizing the consumption of local resources, the standards introduced in applicable local and international laws and regulations, as well as international agreements and requirements thereof shall be observed. Progressive approaches will be developed in all operations, to maximize energy efficiency and to recover energy for production, to prevent negative effects on climate and air quality, to protect water resources, to ensure controlled use of chemicals, to minimize waste generation and to maximize recycling, and to protect living things and their natural habitats.
3. PRODUCT HEALTH AND SAFETY
In order to protect end users against any harm our products may cause, product health and safety standards will be developed, and complied with in any production process. The system will be kept under control and review at all times.
4. SUPPLY CHAIN AND PRODUCTION TRACEABILITY
Supplier acceptability standards for a sustainable supply chain will be specified. All parties involved will be provided guidance, along with monitoring, assessment, review and oversight activities to ensure compliance with standards. Standards-compliant suppliers will be added to a database, and suppliers which are not in the database will not be employed for business.
5. CUSTOMS SECURITY AGAINST TERRORISM
Action to ensure employee, plant, information, and shipment security against any threats which may arise inside or outside the enterprise will be taken through effective risk management approaches. Security of all operations will be ensured. Monitoring, assessment, review and oversight activities will provide input for continuous improvement purposes.
6. MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Sustainability Management Systems applications will be implemented with reference to local and national laws, our customers’ Codes of Conduct, SA 8000, BSCI, SMETA, ICS, national and local laws. In the implementation of Sustainability Management Systems, employee and management cooperation will be established, integrated and maintained throughout the process of compliance with all components of the applicable standard. Any disputes will be identified and resolved. Continuous improvements will be secured.
General Director
A. Zeki Erdoğan