To demonstrate our commitment to Ethical Trading, we’re breaking down each of the 9 Base Code Principles, outlined by the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) – a unique alliance of Companies, Trade Unions (TU) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), working in partnership to improve conditions for workers who provide goods to the UK & Ireland.
This week we’re focusing on ETI Base Code 2:
ETI Base Code 2. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are Respected.
2.1 Workers, without distinction, have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing and to bargain collectively.
2.2 Hardscape adopts an open attitude towards the activities of trade unions and their organisational activities.
2.3 Workers representatives are not discriminated against and have access to carry out their representative functions in the workplace.
2.4 Where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining is restricted under law, Hardscape facilitates, and does not hinder, the development of parallel means for independent and free association and bargaining.
Hardscape are working in partnership to improve conditions for workers who provide goods to the UK & Ireland. The ETI Base Code and ground truth process of implementaion are recognised by the UK Government and the UNHRC. This provides an assurance that graduated members are diligent to the requirements of section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 in evidencing an ethical supply chain, and are operating within the Protect-Respect-Remedy framework of the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights.
Hardscape’s commitment to the ETI will never allow work as means of repayment for a loan (bonded labour) to take place and ensures all of its staff are paid fairly. Workers are not required to lodge “deposits” or identity papers with their employer and are free to leave employment after reasonable notice. Read about Base Code Principle 1.
