Non-discrimination

Consistent with our Guiding Principles, it is good business and sound philosophy to recognize and treat employees with fairness, impartiality, awareness and sensitivity. We will grant equal opportunity in all aspects of employment to all persons without unlawful discrimination.

Unlawful discrimination will not be tolerated.

The company prohibits unlawful discrimination on any protected basis under applicable law, including, but not limited to: color, race, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, age, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, or other legally protected factors.

If you believe you have been discriminated against, have observed unlawful discrimination, have knowledge or someone confides in you that a coworker believes that he or she has been discriminated against, you must contact any of the following: your immediate supervisor, any member of management, any local or corporate human resources leader, any compliance and ethics resource, any lawyer in Legal or the GuideLine.

Prohibited Harassment

The company is committed to providing a work environment free of unlawful harassment. Company policy prohibits harassment based on color, race, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, age, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, or other legally protected factors. Harassment includes any verbal or other conduct that is offensive, bullying, intimidating or disparaging to any individual or group and is based on that individual’s inclusion in a legally protected group. The company also prohibits unlawful harassment based on the perception that an individual is a member of such a group, or is associated with an individual who is or is perceived to be a member of a protected group. All such harassment is unlawful. The company’s policy prohibiting harassment applies to all persons involved in the operation of the company and prohibits unlawful harassment, whether directed to employees, applicants for employment, or other people we do business with, such as outside vendors, contractors or customers.

Conduct that is prohibited includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviors:

  • Verbal conduct such as epithets; slurs; derogatory and/or sexually-oriented jokes or comments; discussion or inquiries about one’s own or someone else’s sexual activities; or unwelcome sexual advances, propositions, flirtations, invitations or comments.
  • Visual displays such as derogatory and/or sexually-oriented posters, photographs, pornographic displays, cartoons, drawings or symbols.
  • Dissemination of derogatory and/or sexually-oriented voice mail, email, graphics, downloaded material or websites.
  • Unwelcome touching of a sexual nature, gestures, intentional blocking of normal movement or interfering with work, or other conduct directed toward a person due to their gender, race or any other protected basis.
  • Threats or demands to submit to sexual requests as a condition of continued employment or to avoid some other loss, and offers of employment benefits in return for sexual favors.

The use of any media, including phones, email, instant messaging or the Internet, for the purpose of unlawful harassment, will not be tolerated.

Commitment to Lawful Employment Practices

Our companies strive to make people’s lives better through the products we make, support for the communities in which we live and work, maintaining quality work environments, and sourcing responsibly. We are committed to adhering to applicable employment and labor laws everywhere we operate. This includes observing those laws that pertain to child labor, forced labor, human trafficking, wages and work hours and freedom of association. In addition to other expectations contained in this Code, our commitment to social responsibility specifically includes the following:

Child Labor

The company will not employ underage individuals as defined by applicable child labor laws. Employees will not be permitted to work in a position where they are younger than the minimum legal age for employment in that job.

Forced Labor

The company does not support the use of forced labor or involuntary prison labor. Recruiting and selection activities are conducted in compliance with applicable law and any applicable collective bargaining obligations.

Wages and Work Hours

The company is committed to meeting all minimum wage obligations and collective bargaining agreements regarding maximum hours, minimum wage, overtime work and the payment of overtime compensation. The company:

  • Recognizes an employee’s right to breaks and meal periods required by applicable law or collective bargaining agreement and the company will pay for those breaks wherever required by law.
  • Will provide to employees all periods of leave to which they are entitled under applicable law.
  • Will provide employees with all benefits to which they are entitled under applicable law.

Freedom of Association

The company complies with applicable laws related to an employee’s choice to join, or refrain from joining, any legally sanctioned association or organization.