Social Responsibility
Social Responsibility
At FIEL, responsible business practices are an important part of how we operate. We expect our owned and contracted facilities to maintain ethical workplace standards, comply with applicable laws and continuously work toward better social and environmental practices.
Our Social Responsibility Standards
These standards apply to all facilities owned by or contracted to FIEL – Fairdeal Import Export Ltd.
We respect the different cultures and communities in which our manufacturing partners operate. At the same time, every facility doing business with FIEL is expected to meet the basic requirements outlined below and is encouraged to exceed them through best practices and continuous improvement.
Our Workplace Standards
Our standards cover the fundamental areas of ethical employment, workplace safety and responsible manufacturing.
Legal & Ethical Business Practices
FIEL and its contracted facilities are expected to comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the countries, regions, states and municipalities in which they operate.
This includes requirements relating to wages, working hours, health and safety, immigration, environmental standards and manufacturing practices. Employers and employees are expected to conduct business ethically.
No Child or Forced Labour
No individual may be employed below the minimum age permitted under applicable law and International Labour Organization guidelines.
All requirements relating to employees under the age of 18 must be observed. FIEL and its contracted facilities prohibit involuntary, forced or compulsory labour.
Fair Wages & Benefits
Employees must receive wages and benefits that meet legally mandated minimum standards or the prevailing local industry standard, whichever is higher.
Overtime must be compensated according to local law, and employees should receive a clear written accounting of their compensation for each pay period.
Responsible Working Hours
Working hours must comply with local legal limitations and should not exceed 60 hours per work week except voluntarily under extraordinary business circumstances.
Employees must be informed at the time of hire if mandatory overtime is a condition of employment and must receive at least one day off during every seven-day period.
Health & Safety
FIEL and its contracted facilities are expected to provide employees with clean, safe and healthy working conditions.
All facilities must comply with applicable workplace health and safety regulations and maintain standards designed to protect employees.
An Informed Workplace
Facilities should maintain clear and consistent communication with employees regarding workplace standards, policies and expectations.
Important policies should be displayed prominently throughout the facility, and management should regularly communicate and educate employees about workplace standards.
Non-Discrimination
Employment decisions must be based on ability and job-related qualifications. Discrimination based on race, age, colour, national origin, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, political opinion or social or ethnic origin is not acceptable.
Dignity & Respect
Every employee should be treated with dignity and respect and have the right to work in an environment free from corporal punishment and physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse.
Monetary fines must not be used as a form of employee discipline.
Monitoring & Compliance
FIEL and its contracted facilities are expected to maintain the documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with these standards and to respond promptly to reasonable questions or concerns regarding compliance.
FIEL may conduct announced or unannounced inspections and facility reviews as part of its compliance efforts. We aim to build strong, long-term relationships with our manufacturing partners while reserving the right to take appropriate action when our standards are not being met.
In addition to our own monitoring efforts, facilities producing products for major retailers and branded customers may also be periodically reviewed by independent organizations engaged by those customers.
Customer facility visits may be arranged where appropriate. Because our facilities may be operating at maximum capacity during peak production periods, and because we are required to protect confidential customer products and artwork, all visits must be scheduled in advance and mutually agreed upon.
A Long-Term Commitment
Our commitment to responsible manufacturing and social compliance has been part of FIEL's operating standards for many years. We continue to work with our facilities, customers and partners to support safe, ethical and responsible workplaces throughout our supply chain.
