response by Manor
In its Code of Conduct, Manor obliges all its suppliers to adhere to clearly defined ethical, social and quality standards, regardless of where products are manufactured. This Code of Conduct is binding for all suppliers and their subcontractors, and contains clear instructions on specific points (see enclosed document, “Code of Conduct”). In short, this Code of Conduct forbids forced or compulsory labour, discrimination and child labour, and proscribes unusually long working hours. It calls for freedom of association and the payment of fair remuneration, decent working conditions and environmentally friendly production processes.
Our strategy involves building up selected long-term partnerships and conducting our own controls on a regular basis. Suppliers are also audited by independent external auditors (e.g. SGS), unless they already adhere to a recognised standard (e.g. BSCI). In the event of repeated violations of the provisions of this Code of Conduct, the business relationship will be terminated by Manor.
There are a number of different ways of calculating the living wage. These are not standardised. Consequently, our suppliers should always take the national minimum wage set by the relevant country as a guide, or exceed this figure, as set out in our Code of Conduct. “The Business Partners guarantee that the wages paid to employees equal or exceed the minimum wage prescribed by law or applicable industry-specific custom, whichever is higher. The wage paid shall be sufficient to cover an employee’s basic needs.”
Manor regularly organises compulsory workshops for purchasers and suppliers on social and environmental issues. Manor is interested in working with other market participants to help bring about further improvements in working conditions in its production countries.