Responsibility
Social responsibility
Russell Corporation is committed to doing business in an ethical, moral and responsible way. Our goal is to encourage and create model operations that provide good jobs at fair wages, improve conditions in their communities, protect employees and support the highest standards of business conduct.
We only do business with vendors and suppliers that share that commitment. All suppliers, joint ventures and business partners are expected to comply with Russell International Operating Principles, including any contractors or subcontractors. All of our vendors and suppliers are expected to follow these guidelines:
Comply with legal and ethical standards
All vendors/suppliers must fully comply with all applicable legal and ethical standards and requirements of the countries in which they are doing business. Russell will not do business with any vendors/suppliers who violate the legal and ethical rights of employees in any way.
Offer reasonable wages and benefits
Russell will only do business with vendors/suppliers who provide reasonable wages and benefits that equal or exceed the prevailing local industry standard.
Comply with local work hours
Russell will only do business with vendors/suppliers who comply with the prevailing local work hours and do not exceed them, except for appropriately compensated overtime.
Don't use child labour
Russell will not do business with vendors/suppliers that use child labour or employ people under the local mandatory school age or the legal employment age in each country. If Russell deems the work being done is inappropriate or poses possible risk to employees at the legal minimum employment age, it reserves the right to establish its own minimum limit for vendors/suppliers on a country-by-country basis. Under no circumstances will the minimum age be under 15. Russell supports the development of legitimate workplace apprenticeship programs for the educational benefits of younger people.
Don't use prison/forced labour
Russell will not knowingly do business with vendors/suppliers that use involuntary indentured or forced labour, including prison labour not done on a voluntary basis. This includes labour that is required as a means of political coercion or as punishment for holding or peacefully expressing political views.
Avoid discrimination
While Russell recognizes and respects cultural differences, we believe that employees should be employed on the basis of their ability to do the job, not on the basis of personal characteristics or beliefs. In-country laws, however, will take precedent over company policies and directions.
Use appropriate disciplinary practices
Russell will not do business with vendors/suppliers who use corporal punishment or other forms of mental or physical coercion.
Ensure health and safety
Russell will only use vendors/suppliers who provide employees with safe, adequate work environments and protection from exposure to hazardous conditions or materials. Any vendor/supplier that provides residential facilities for employees must ensure they are safe, healthy and provide adequate housing.
Conform to environmental guidelines
Russell will use only those vendors/suppliers who share our commitment to the community and the environment. They must conform to all legal requirements regarding environmental codes and guidelines. Russell actively seeks business partners who demonstrate a commitment to progressive environmental practices and to preserving resources.
Right of inspection
Russell will assure proper implementation of and compliance with the standards set forth in these guidelines by implementing affirmative measures such as on-site inspections of vendors' and suppliers' facilities.
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