At GARAN, Incorporated (“Garan”), we are committed to:
a standard of excellence in every aspect of our business and in every corner of the world in which we and our suppliers operate
ethical and responsible conduct in all our operations; and
respect for the rights of all individuals.
As a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. we have adopted and adhere to its Code of Conduct and Ethics, which can be accessed at:
www.berkshirehathaway.com/govern/ethics.pdf
Garan seeks reputable business partners who are committed to ethical standards and business practices compatible with those of Garan.
Garan has established the Garan Supplier Code of Conduct (“GSCOC”) containing the key principles under which we require our worldwide suppliers to operate (“Garan Suppliers”).
This GSCOC is intended to clearly establish, considering differences in cultures and legal requirements, Garan’s expectations in all factories in which our products are manufactured or components produced. Garan products will be manufactured in a manner compatible with the high standards that have contributed to the outstanding reputation of Garan and our brands.
Garan strongly encourages Suppliers and any contractors to exceed the requirements of the GSCOC and promote best practices and continuous improvement throughout their operations. Compliance is monitored through inspections throughout the year and an annual confirmation of knowledge of, and compliance with the GSCOC.
This GSCOC applies to facilities involved in the production of products for Garan or any of our subsidiaries, vendors, agents or licensees including entities with direct relationship with Garan and any of their contractors or suppliers involved in production of Garan products (“Garan Suppliers”).
Laws and Regulations
Garan Suppliers must fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which they, their suppliers and their customers operate.
Child Labor
Garan will not tolerate the use of Child Labor. Garan Suppliers must not employ workers younger than the minimum age established by law in the country of manufacture. In addition, Garan Suppliers must comply with all legal requirements for the work of authorized young workers, particularly those pertaining to hours of work, wages, and working conditions.
Forced Labor
Garan Suppliers must not use involuntary or forced labor, whether indentured, bonded, prison or otherwise.
Harassment and Disciplinary Practices
Garan Suppliers must treat all workers with respect and dignity. No worker shall be subject to corporal punishment, physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse. In addition, Garan Suppliers will not use monetary fines as a disciplinary practice.
Wages and Benefits
Garan Suppliers must pay workers at least the minimum compensation required by local law. In addition, Garan Suppliers must provide all legally mandated benefits. In addition to their compensation for regular hours of work, workers must be compensated for overtime hours at such premium rate as is legally required or, in those countries where such laws do not exist, at least equal to 25% of their regular hourly compensation rate.
Hours of Work
Garan Suppliers must ensure that workers shall not work more than the lesser of (a) sixty (60) hours per week, including overtime, or (b) the limits on regular and overtime hours allowed by the law of the country of manufacture. In addition, all workers shall be entitled to at least one day off in every consecutive seven-day period.
Health and Safety
Garan Suppliers must provide their workers with a clean, safe and healthy work environment in compliance with all applicable, legally mandated standards for workplace health and safety in the countries in which they operate. This includes residential facilities, if applicable.
Nondiscrimination
While Garan recognizes and respects cultural differences, Garan Suppliers must ensure employment – including hiring, remuneration, benefits, advancement, termination and retirement – is based solely on ability.
Workers’ Rights
Garan Suppliers will ensure all workers, regardless of gender identification, ethnicity, age or religion receive equal treatment in all aspects of employment. Additionally, pregnancy tests will not be a condition of employment and workers will not be forced to use contraception.
Freedom of Association
Garan Suppliers must recognize and respect the rights of workers to exercise lawful rights of free association, including joining or not joining any association.
Environment
Garan is committed to sustainable business practices and the preservation of the environment. Garan Suppliers must comply with all local environmental laws applicable to the workplace and Garan-specific sustainability initiatives.
Subcontracting
Garan Suppliers must not use subcontractors in the manufacture of Garan products or product components without approval from Garan, and only after the subcontractor has agreed to comply with this Supplier Code of Conduct.
Communication
Garan Suppliers must prominently display – in the languages of workers and supervisors – a Garan Supplier Code of Conduct poster and communicate the provisions or the Garan Supplier Code of Conduct to workers and supervisors.
Monitoring and Compliance
Garan will undertake affirmative measures, such as announced and unannounced on-site inspections of production facilities, to monitor compliance with this GSCOC. Garan Suppliers must maintain on site all documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with the GSCOC, and Garan Suppliers must allow representatives from Garan, or its appointees, full access to production facilities, worker records and workers for confidential interviews in connection with monitoring visits.
Garan Suppliers are expected to take necessary corrective actions to promptly remediate any noncompliance. Garan reserves the right to terminate its business relationship with any Garan Supplier who does not comply with this Code.