We are committed to following our Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and our suppliers and subcontractors should share the same ethical values to work with us.
Dignity
At GAOFIN, we conduct business with respect for people’s fundamental dignity. We have the responsibility to ensure that everyone who works for or with our business is treated with dignity and respect.
Respect
We are committed to creating a pleasant working environment where everyone feels comfortable and is approached free of prejudice and in a respectable manner. In our working environment, everyone needs to be accepted as they are. There are no excuses for disrespectful behavior.
Inclusion
We welcome and support people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes but is not limited to members of any sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, social and economic class, educational level, color, immigration status, sex, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.
Integrity
At GAOFIN, we are committed to acting with integrity – to keep our commitments and values, to take responsibility for our actions, to act with respect and honesty. Honesty encourages open communication between employers, employees, and co-workers.
Freedom of Association
We do not restrain our workers and employees from joining any form of organizations, unions, and workers’ associations that collectively promote the rights of employees and workers in an honest and fair manner.
Harassment & Intimidation
Harassment and exclusionary behavior are not accepted at GAOFIN. This includes but is not limited to threats of violence, psychological abuse, personal insults – especially those using racist or sexist terms, unwelcome sexual attention or sexual intimidation, punishment, or suppression.
Child Labor
We do not accept child labor, and we do our utmost to determine the correct age of the workers employed by us and our subcontractors. More concretely, we reject work that deprives children of their childhood, potential, education, and dignity, and anything harmful to their physical and mental development.
Forced Labor
We do not use forced labor. Employees have permission to leave the office under reasonable circumstances, such as personal or family emergencies. No labor should be demanded as a means of repayment for a loan. We do not under any circumstances support forced or bonded labor, trafficking, or the exploitation of human beings in general.
Labor Contracts
All employees have a written employment contract that contains an accurate and complete summary of the terms of employment, including wages, benefits, and working conditions. No employees are to be asked to sign any blank papers. Labor contracts should extend to sub-contracted employees. We accept apprentices working on the basis of an apprenticeship contract, but we monitor continuously to ensure that apprentices actually perform an apprentice function.
Wages, Payroll Records, and Deductions
We respect the employee’s right to earn a living wage and ensure that wages paid meet at least legal standards. The wage should always be sufficient to meet the basic needs of employees and their families. We keep understandable payroll records for at least two years. We do not accept deductions as a disciplinary measure. Wages are paid regularly, on time, and in a way that is convenient for the workers.
Working Hours
We do not exceed local limits on working hours. In accordance with the law, we do not require employees to exceed 40 hours of work per week on a regular basis. Employees are provided with at least two days off for every seven-day period. Overtime is voluntary and should not exceed 12 hours per week. Overtime is not demanded on a regular basis and is always compensated at a premium rate of wages.
Occupational Health and Safety
The safety of employees is a priority at all times, ensuring they are protected from hazardous, insufferable surroundings or unsafe premises. Our suppliers, similarly, need to provide a safe workplace for their employees in compliance with all regulations and applicable laws. We provide them with a Chemical Compliance Policy and a Restricted Substance List (RSL) that they should follow when working for us.