Ethical Sourcing and Social Responsibility Policy
Idle Hour Bakery USA Inc.("IHBUSA" or "the Company") is dedicated to conducting all its operations with a foundation of ethical behavior, emphasizing integrity as a core value. The company's esteemed reputation is built on maintaining high ethical standards and fostering transparent and honest relationships among its employees ("associates"), shareholders, customers, suppliers, competitors, communities, and governments. IHBUSA requires every associate and supplier to act with integrity and lawfulness in their business interactions. No individual within the company, regardless of their position, is allowed to partake in or endorse illegal or unethical actions or direct others to do so. Any uncertainty regarding the legality of an action should be discussed with a supervisor or IHBUSA's legal counsel.
This Ethical Sourcing & Social Responsibility Policy is designed to complement the Global Policies of IDLE HOUR BAKERY CORP, IHBUSA's parent company, along with the Company Code of Business Conduct, and applies to all associates.
Associates must report any knowledge or suspicions of violations of the Global Policies, Code of Business Conduct, or this policy. Reports should be addressed to the senior manager in their area, the Legal or Human Relations Departments, the communication channel in the Global Policies, or "The Network" at 1-833-432-2533. Reports to "The Network" can be made anonymously, and no associate will face retaliation for making a report in good faith about violations or concerns.
IHBUSA expects its suppliers to uphold and commit to the Ethical Sourcing & Social Responsibility Policy, or similar standards, covering:
1. Communication: Suppliers must review and acknowledge IHBUSA's policy in writing and communicate the requirements to their employees.
2. Risk Assessment: The policy will be prioritized for implementation among critical suppliers with appropriate resources allocated.
3. Monitoring and Verification: Compliance may be verified through self-assessments, audits, and inspections.
4. Corrective Actions: IHBUSA will work with suppliers to implement corrective actions, which could lead to termination of agreements if necessary.
IHBUSA policies foster dignity, respect, and fairness among associates. It values open and timely communication, promoting a two-way feedback channel between management and associates.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, IHBUSA ensures discrimination and harassment-free environments and promotes fair employment practices concerning personal characteristics protected by law. IHBUSA also endorses affirmative action plans and opposes forced labor, child labor, and any form of exploitation, ensuring legal compliance and respect for workers' rights.
IHBUSA is environmentally responsible, integrating economic growth with environmental conservation. It encourages innovative waste management and recycling programs, aiming to meet or exceed environmental standards. Efforts include managing energy and resources, maintaining safety standards, and encouraging associates to propose improvements.
Suppliers must adhere to additional responsibilities, avoiding gifts, conflicts of interest, corruption, and maintaining financial integrity. They must protect IHBUSA's confidential information and comply with legal security and privacy standards.
In summary, while it's impossible to predict all scenarios in a document of this type, IHBUSA and every associate share the responsibility of maintaining high ethical standards. Decisions should align with the Company's values, referring to the guidance questions: "Is this action beneficial for the Company?" and "Am I doing what is right?" Any breaches of IHBUSA's policies may result in disciplinary actions, including termination or legal proceedings.