Code of conduct – for some businessmen it is only during normal working hours – hereafter they do not care!

 

Code of conduct – and the ethical values in business on how a business partner have to behave, when business men are carrying out their business towards each other, has been a world wide growing trend among companies.

 

The world exists due to business. Unfortunately and very often indeed, the businessmen visit prostitutes, when they are abroad on business travel. They are a long way from home, their wife and family.

 

Even so, the business men are often invited out by their business partners to a late dinner, which often also includes a visit into a brothel, a strip club or “just” a prostitute sent to his hotel room.

 

She (or her pimp/trafficker) is paid by the hosting business partner.

 

Everywhere, but in Europe, especially in the Latin area as well as in the Netherlands it is common to visit prostitutes, when one is on a business trip.

 

Off course, one should not feel bad about business men in general, but the code of conduct relevant e.g. in their daily businesses as well as during the business meetings it self should indeed also apply, once the business partners loose their ties, because the business meeting is over and the deal is done.

 

Below is shown an extract of a typical two-page company code of conduct. The paragraphs and sentences relevant for our discussion above, regarding the abuse of humans (in this case the victims of forced prostitution) are highlighted.

 

 

The real-life COMPANY Code of Conduct

 

Forced Labour

Forced or involuntary labour is not tolerated by COMPANY. This includes prison work, work on a forced contract, slavery and other forms of work, which are done against one’s will or choice. There must be no deductions in salary as a consequence of fines or penalties imposed during the execution of disciplinary punishment, unless this is done with reference to a collective agreement or permitted by law.

The COMPANY Group does not accept employment through fee-charging employment agencies, or in any other way, which confine the employee in unreasonable debt bondage.

 

 

Discrimination

The COMPANY Group (READ: and their employees) respects cultural differences and does not want to cooperate with business partners who practice discrimination at work by race, religion, age, nationality, or sexual orientation.

 

Our business partner’s employees must not be exposed to any physical punishment, threats of violence or physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or maltreatment in the work place or work related situations.

 

 

Working Environment

COMPANY supports the fundamental human right to have sound working conditions. All business partners to the COMPANY Group must ensure a good working environment which complies with all applicable rules and laws. As a minimum:

 

- Workers must not be exposed to dangerous work without being properly protected

 

- Facilities must comply with rules about construction safety as well as fire protection – and fire alarms

 

- Facilities must ensure appropriate light and ventilation

- All dangerous materials must be stored in safe places and used in safe and controlled ways

- All machinery must be properly maintained

 

Facilities for resting and sleeping, must, if used, be kept clean and safe.

 

 

Working Hours and Salary

The COMPANY Group recognises the need for a sound balance between working time and leisure time for all employees. Unless the national law is different, the maximum working time is 48 hours per week plus maximum 12 hours overtime work. Except in extraordinary circumstances, all workers have the right to have at least one day off in a period of seven days.Salaries for overtime work shall be in accordance with the law.

 

 

Child Labour

COMPANY respects the children’s right to development and education. Therefore we do not support child labour, meaning that we do not use children as a work force in production. This also applies to our business partners. Child labour is defined as full-time work done by children that are either younger than 15 years of age or younger than the age of completing local compulsory school. However, the local legal minimum age for full-time employment must never be violated.

Child labour will only be tolerated, if it is not full time work and if education is provided at the same time.

Full time child labour in relation with education such as trainee employment can be accepted for shorter periods of time (International Labour Organisation C138, article 6).

In special circumstances, employment of minors is possible, but only when local conditions make it necessary to employ minors in order to protect the minor and ensure his or her rights and development and if the demands regarding part time work and education are met.

 

In all of these cases, employment should take place in close cooperation and dialogue with the family of the minor, as well as with approved international or national agencies that safeguard the interests of minors.

 

In general, all children under the age of 18:

• must not be employed in hazardous work.
• must not work night shifts.
• are entitled to more breaks than adults.

Hazardous work is work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or moral of children. Seen in International Labour Organisation R190 and C182.

 

 

The Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining

COMPANY respects the employees’ right to organise and to collective bargaining. This means that also business partners must recognise their employee’s right to choose whether or not to associate with or establish any organisation including labour organisations.

If trade unions are not allowed in the area of operation, or only state authorised organisations are allowed, the business partner shall facilitate alternative measures to allow employees to gather independently to discuss work-related matters and a forum to present work-related concerns to management.

 

 

Corruption

Corruption and bribery are recognized as some of the barriers for sustainable development and a barrier to free trade. COMPANY does not accept these practices and therefore does not offer or accept any kind of undue payment. COMPANY expects business partners to act the same way.

 

 

 

Visiting a prostitute after the business meetings is indeed a tremendous violation of the code of conduct, which many business men – actually - have to follow and work with in accordance to their individual professions.

 

Imagine the fact; because one is off duty after a certain business meeting, the ethical codes should indeed be followed also after working hours.