Niko Code of Conduct

Child Labour

 Niko strongly supports children's right to development and education. Therefore, Niko cannot tolerate child labour, meaning that it fully rejects all use of children as a workforce in production, by itself or by its Suppliers. Child labour is defined as work done by children that are either younger than 15 years of age, than the minimum age mandated by the applicable law or than the age for completing compulsory education (exception is made for regulated forms of apprenticeships), whichever of the three is higher.

 

Discrimination

Niko strongly promotes the respect for cultural differences and does not accept any practice of discrimination at work by race, religion, age, nationality, gender, political views or sexual orientation, by itself or by its Suppliers. Employees shall not be exposed to any physical punishment, threats of violence or physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or maltreatment in the work place or work related situations.

 

Forced Labour

Forced or involuntary labour is fully unacceptable to Niko. This includes work on a forced contract, slavery and other forms of work, which are done against one's will or choice. 

 

Working Environment

Niko supports the fundamental human right to have sound working conditions. The Supplier shall ensure a good working environment which complies with all applicable laws, rules and regulations and shall be in accordance with local industry practices.

 

Working Hours and Salary

Niko recognises the negative impact of excessive working hours on the health and wellbeing of employees (as demonstrated in recent international studies) and promotes a decent work-life balance. The Supplier shall comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations and act in accordance with local industry practices, with respect to working time and overtime. The Supplier shall pay a salary to all workers that is at least the minimum wage required by applicable laws, rules and regulations and shall provide all legally mandated benefits. The Suppliers shall offer vacation time, leave periods and holidays consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.

 

The Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining

Niko respects the employees' right to associate freely and to collective bargaining. Therefore, the Supplier shall also fully respect his employee's right to choose whether or not to associate with or establish any organisation including labour organisations. 

 

Environment

The Supplier shall fully comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, with respect to the environment.  In addition, the Supplier shall strive to reduce waste and emissions to air, ground and water, handle chemicals in an environmentally safe way, handle, store and dispose of hazardous waste in an environmentally safe manner, and contribute to the recycling and reuse of materials and products, in accordance with local industry practices.

Corruption

Niko fully rejects all practices of corruption or bribery. These practices are recognized to have a clear negative impact on sustainable development and to the advancement of free trade. Therefore, Niko will never accept these practices, nor will it offer or accept any kind of undue payment. The Supplier is expected to strictly observe the same line of conduct.