BSCI Code of Conduct
Business partners shall comply, as a minimum, with wages mandated by governments’
minimum wage legislation, or industry standards approved on the basis of collective
bargaining, whichever is higher.
Wages are to be paid in a timely manner, regularly, and fully in legal tender. Partial payment
in the form of allowance “in kind” is accepted in line with ILO specifications. The level of
wages is to reflect the skills and education of workers and shall refer to regular working hours.
Deductions will be permitted only under the conditions and to the extent prescribed by law or
fixed by collective agreement.
Decent Working Hours
Business partners observe this principle when they ensure that workers are not required to
work more than 48 regular hours per week, without prejudice to the specific expectations set
out hereunder. However, the BSCI recognizes the exceptions specified by the ILO.
Applicable national laws, industry benchmark standards or collective agreements are to be
interpreted within the international framework set out by the ILO.
In exceptional cases defined by the ILO, the limit of hours of work prescribed above may be
exceeded, in which case overtime is permitted.
The use of overtime is meant to be exceptional, voluntary, paid at a premium rate of not less
than one and one-quarter times the regular rate and shall not represent a significantly higher
likelihood of occupational hazards. Furthermore, Business Partners shall grant their workers
with the right to resting breaks in every working day and the right to at least one day off in
every seven days, unless exceptions defined by collective agreements apply.
Occupational Health and Safety
Business partners observe this principle when they respect the right to healthy working and
living conditions of workers and local communities, without prejudice to the specific
expectations set out hereunder. Vulnerable individuals such as - but not limited to - young
workers, new and expecting mothers and persons with disabilities, shall receive special
protection.
Business partners shall comply with occupational health and safety regulations, or with
international standards where domestic legislation is weak or poorly enforced.
The active co-operation between management and workers, and/or their representatives is
essential in order to develop and implement systems towards ensuring a safe and healthy
work environment. This may be achieved through the establishment of Occupational Health
and Safety Committees.
Business partners shall ensure that there are systems in place to detect, assess, avoid and
respond to potential threats to the health and safety of workers. They shall take effective
measures to prevent workers from having accidents, injuries or illnesses, arising from,
associated with, or occurring during work. These measures should aim at minimizing so far as
is reasonable the causes of hazards inherent within the workplace.
Business partners will seek improving workers protection in case of accident including
through compulsory insurance schemes.
Business partners shall take all appropriate measures within their sphere of influence, to see
to the stability and safety of the equipment and buildings they use, including residential
facilities to workers when these are provided by the employer as well as to protect against
any foreseeable emergency. Business partners shall respect the workers’ right to exit the
premises from imminent danger without seeking permission.