Human Rights and Labor Practices
We will foster an inclusive culture in which all Avikro entities and locations adopt and apply
ethical labour practices, build trust with our teammates, and model our respect for diversity
and for fundamental human rights.
In early 2020, the Avikro Group introduced its Global Human Rights Policy and Labour
Practices. The Policy addresses the standards and behaviours that all Avikro Group employees
around the globe can and should expect from the Group, their managers and fellow employees.
It outlines respect for diversity and inclusion, prohibits discrimination and harassment, focus
on workplace safety and health, commitment to responsible labour practices, and protection of
free speech and association. These expectations are closely aligned with the Group’s Code of
Conduct and Global Sustainable Procurement Policy and are embedded into the Group’s day-
to-day operations, including its due diligence assessments of potential new operations and
projects.
Avikro Group Global Human Rights Policy
As part of our commitment to be a true global leader in all that we do, the Avikro Group is
committed to advancing fundamental human rights and responsible Labour practices
throughout our worldwide operations. We believe this commitment is not only the right thing
to do, but also foundational to enhanced job satisfaction and pride for our employees, which is
in turn critical to sustainable success for our business. We strive to uphold fundamental human
rights principles in all the ways that we interact with people as employees, consumers,
customers, suppliers, contractors, and community members wherever we conduct business. To
ensure that we are living up to our commitments, we will conduct appropriate training on this
policy and due diligence to identify and remediate any adverse impact that any of our
operations may have.
Avikro respects international norms for human rights, such as the fundamental principles
generally reflected in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the
United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, various International Labour
Organization (ILO) Conventions, and other globally recognized standards. These standards
help inform Avikro's principles and approach on human rights issues.
Our human rights policy applies to all employees and locations in the companies of the Avikro
Group. We expect all of our employees to uphold this policy, and we expect our vendors and
suppliers to do the same.
Respect for Diversity and Inclusion
As an organization, we believe that all people have the right to participate in the Labour force
to the full extent of their individual desire and capability. We further believe that bringing
together individuals who have diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives adds
value to our business, and even more so when we all integrate into a cohesive team.
Accordingly, we value diversity and expect all employees to support an inclusive environment
founded on teamwork and respect. We are convinced that doing so will help us to attract,
develop, and retain the best talent in the market for the greater good of our company.
Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment
We affirm the fundamental principle that everyone is entitled to fair treatment and equal
opportunity without discrimination on the basis of any characteristic such as race, ethnicity,
color, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, language, religion, creed,
social status, or disability. We do not tolerate behavior that is discriminatory, harassing,
disrespectful, or otherwise degrading to individual dignity. We are committed to protecting the
rights of individuals in traditionally under-privileged groups and expanding their employment
opportunities.
Focus on Workplace Safety and Health
At Avikro, we live by the principle of "Safety First, Always." Creating a safe workplace for all is
one of our core business values and is everyone's shared responsibility. For more information
on our occupational safety and health programs, please see: Safety, Industrial Hygiene.
Commitment to Responsible Labour Practices
As a global leader, Avikro is committed to ensuring our compliance with all applicable laws,
regulations, and other employment standards. We believe in doing our part to abolish the
unacceptable practices of child Labour and forced or compulsory Labour throughout the world.
We prohibit child and forced/compulsory Labour in our organization and in our supply chain.
Beyond our commitment to compliance, we strive to provide quality job opportunities for
residents of our local communities, with reasonable working hours, clean and safe working
conditions, and fair, market-competitive pay and benefits.
Protection of Free Speech and Association
We believe that all people have the right to have their voices heard by raising their good faith
concerns, either openly or anonymously, without any negative consequence. To that end, we
respect the right of all employees to choose, voluntarily and free from coercion, whether to
bargain collectively and seek representation by third parties, including trade unions, or to
refrain from doing so. We also believe that employees should be fully and accurately informed
when making the important decision of whether to elect a third party to represent them. In any
event, at Avikro we are committed to creating a culture of openness and employee
involvement in all of the locations in which we operate.
Management structure
The Group adheres firmly to its Global Human Rights Policy on respecting human rights. The
Group has also appointed a Chief Human Rights Officer and is working to ensure its stance on
human rights is fully understood across the Group. Under the Global Sustainability Committee
(formerly the Global CSR Enhancement Committee), the Human Rights, Labour Practices
Working Group (WG) verifies the progress of the group-wide efforts on human rights, Labour
practices, diversity and inclusion, and reports to the Global Sustainability Committee and top