|
NB Factory Audit Consulting Supplier Code of Conduct "To become the world's leading brand shoes and clothing manufacturer" is NB's business goal. In order to achieve this goal, we are united, fulfill our duties, and always adhere to the core concept of "teamwork, customer first, loyalty and dedication".
The NB Supplier Code of Conduct is NB's most basic expectation of suppliers. NB expects suppliers to ensure that their products are manufactured without exploitative practices and unsafe production conditions. The NB Supplier Code of Conduct expresses NB's commitment to only do business with manufacturers and suppliers who can share the same commitment to fair and safe employment. Basic Requirements 1. Comply with local laws
The terms of the NB Supplier Code of Conduct are consistent with local applicable laws and regulations. All suppliers must fully comply with the local laws and regulations of the country where they are located.
2. Child Labor
It is prohibited to employ child laborers under the age of 16 (some countries allow 15 years old), or minors who are over 16 years old but still under the age of completing compulsory education stipulated in the manufacturer's country. All factories should keep formal records to verify the date of birth of each employee. All suppliers must comply with local regulations on the employment of underage workers. These regulations should include the types of work, working hours and labor intensity stipulated by local labor laws. 3. Harassment or Abuse
Employees must be treated with respect, equality and courtesy. Employees should not be subjected to any physical abuse, verbal abuse, sexual harassment or psychological intimidation in the workplace. Corporal punishment of employees is prohibited. Coercive demands, threats, insults or scolding are not allowed.
IV. Health and Safety
Suppliers must refer to OSHA standards to provide employees with a safe and hygienic working condition and environment to avoid work-related accidents. 5. No Discrimination
Suppliers must create a fair, non-discriminatory work environment. Employee recruitment, promotion and salary treatment must be based on work ability and should not be based on gender, race, social class, marital status, religion or cultural beliefs. Pre-employment or on-the-job pregnancy tests are not allowed. Employees may not be discriminated against because of their political affiliation or social group. 6. Salary and Benefits
Suppliers must pay their employees on time and monthly. The wages paid must not be lower than the local legal requirements or equivalent to the local industry standards. Factories must also provide all legally required benefits to employees. Suppliers should not deduct employees' wages for punitive purposes. Suppliers should not deduct employees' wages under the guise of apprenticeships. VII. Working Hours
As part of normal business operations, suppliers may not require employees to work more than 60 hours in a normal working week, even if there are countries that do not have laws limiting working hours. Employees must be guaranteed at least one day off per week (24 consecutive hours). Suppliers may not require employees to take work home or to places outside the factory. All working hours must be recorded in writing and available for review by relevant NB personnel at any time as needed. 8. Overtime
In special circumstances, if the working hours need to be extended beyond the local statutory weekly working hours (48 hours or less), overtime wages must be paid in accordance with local laws and regulations. In countries where there are no laws on overtime compensation, overtime wages paid to employees should refer to local industry standards. Overtime wages must not be lower than the wages for normal working hours. Suppliers must control overtime operations to ensure production efficiency, product quality, and protect the rights and interests of employees.
IX. Freedom of Association
Suppliers should respect the rights of employees to legally organize trade unions and associations of their own choice, including the right to collective bargaining. In places where local laws restrict freedom of association, suppliers should not restrict the rights of employees to legally join associations of their choice and should establish an effective system to ensure open communication with employees. 10. Forced Labor
Factories are prohibited from using any forced labor, such as prison inmates, indentured labor, bonded labor or others. Suppliers are prohibited from punishing workers for refusing to work overtime.
Workers shall not be restricted from leaving the workplace for any reason. 11. Environmental conditions
All manufacturers should comply with local environmental protection laws and regulations. Manufacturers, subcontractors and material suppliers must ensure compliance with local laws and regulations in the country where they are located.
12. Subcontractors
The Code of Conduct also applies to all subcontractors of New&Balance suppliers. Suppliers are responsible for ensuring that subcontractors comply with the New&Balance Supplier Code of Conduct. Subcontractors who have not been approved by New&Balance in advance may not provide commercial services to New&Balance. In the event of deliberate non-compliance with the NB Supplier Code of Conduct, NB will terminate or refuse to re-enter the supply contract with the supplier in accordance with the supplier's commitment to the NB Supplier Code of Conduct. | 
