THE ANTIGUA GROUP, INC. CODE OF CONDUCT
Antigua's Code of Conduct is based on the FLA Workplace Code of Conduct, which is widely recognized as one of the most effective and rigorous in the world. It is based on core conventions of the International Labor Organization and internationally accepted good labor practices. Companies affiliated with the FLA are expected to comply with all relevant and applicable laws and regulations of the country in which workers are employed and to implement the Workplace Code in their applicable facilities. When differences or conflicts in standards arise, affiliated companies are expected to apply the highest standard.
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP:
Employers shall adopt and adhere to rules and conditions of employment that respect workers and, at a minimum, safeguard their rights under national and international labor and social security laws and regulations.
NONDISCRIMINATION:
No person shall be subject to any discrimination in employment, including hiring, compensation, advancement, discipline, termination or retirement, on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, political opinion, social group or ethnic origin.
HARASSMENT OR ABUSE:
Every employee shall be treated with respect and dignity. No employee shall be subject to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse.
FORCED LABOR:
There shall be no use of forced labor, including prison labor, indentured labor, bonded labor or other forms of forced labor.
CHILD LABOR:
No person shall be employed under the age of 15 or under the age for completion of compulsory education, whichever is higher.
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING:
Employers shall recognize and respect the right of employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENT:
Employers shall provide a safe and healthy workplace setting to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, linked with, or occurring in the course of work or as a result of the operation of employers' facilities. Employers shall adopt responsible measures to mitigate negative impacts that the workplace has on the environment.
HOURS OF WORK:
Employers shall not require workers to work more than the regular and overtime hours allowed by the law of the country where the workers are employed. The regular work week shall not exceed 48 hours. Employers shall allow workers at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in every seven-day period. All overtime work shall be consensual. Employers shall not request overtime on a regular basis and shall compensate all overtime work at a premium rate. Other than in exceptional circumstances, the sum of regular and overtime hours in a week shall not exceed 60 hours.
COMPENSATION:
Every worker has a right to compensation for a regular work week that is sufficient to meet the workers' basic needs and provide some discretionary income. Employers shall pay at least the minimum wage or the appropriate prevailing wage, whichever is higher, comply with all legal requirements on wages, and provide any fringe benefits required by law or contract. Where compensation does not meet workers' basic needs and provide some discretionary income, each employer shall work with the FLA to take appropriate actions that seek to progressively realize a level of compensation that does.
WOMEN'S RIGHTS:
Women workers will receive equal remuneration, including benefits, equal treatment, equal evaluation of the quality of their work, and equal opportunity to fill all positions as male workers. Pregnancy tests will not be a condition of employment, nor will they be demanded of employees. Workers who take maternity leave will not face dismissal nor threat of dismissal, loss of seniority or deduction of wages, and will be able to return to their former employment, or a similar position, at the same rate of pay and benefits. Workers will not be forced or pressured to use contraception. Workers will not be exposed to hazards, including glues and solvents that may endanger their safety including their reproductive health.
