Code of Conduct and Ethics of Metall Service Niederrhein Betriebs GmbH & Co. KG
Metall Service Niederrhein Betriebs GmbH & Co. KG (“MSN”) assumes responsibility for a
sustainable company strategy and its corresponding implementation.
Compliance with laws, ethical principles, human rights, environmental protection and
employee rights are key elements of the ethically and socially responsible management
of our business. We expect our business partners to meet these standards as well.
Area of application
MSN follows the principles of this code and expect all suppliers, subcontractors,
representative agencies, dealers, customers and employees to comply with the principles
of this code in the course of their activities.
Our company standards
MSN expressly commits to following socially responsible business practices wherever
the company operates, in particular in the areas of human rights and employment standards,
business ethics, the environment and sustainability.
MSN views the success of its customers as a key to long-term, sustainable
business success and continuous growth. In this context,
MSN considers it a matter of course to meet the requirements of
all stakeholders.
Human rights and employment standards
1.)
We respect and foster the dignity of every individual, and dedicate ourselves to the
protection and observation of international human rights.
We do not tolerate any working conditions that conflict with international or
local laws or practices.
We reject harassment and discrimination in any form. This includes among
other things discrimination or harassment based on gender, ethnic origins,
religion, sexual orientation, skin colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy,
political beliefs, membership in a union, or age.
2.)
MSN does not tolerate exploitative child labour in any form. Accordingly we
comply with all applicable laws related to the employment of minors and do not
employ young people in any way that restricts their educational opportunities
or exposes them to workplace hazards that could endanger their
health and safety.
All business partners of MSN must comply with these minimum standards.
3.)
Compensation and benefits must comply with all applicable local laws regarding
minimum wage, overtime and legally prescribed benefits.
If corresponding wage laws do not exist, MSN expects to pay wages and
salaries that meet the local industry standard.
4.)
Compulsory or forced labour is not permitted in any form.
Employees are free to terminate their employment at any time subject to the usual
period of notice.
5.)
MSN and its business partners observe the right of employees to
freedom of association and recognise the right to collective bargaining
to the extent permitted by law.
6.)
The health and safety of our employees is protected to the greatest possible
extent by providing a healthy and safe working environment.
By complying with the safety regulations applicable in our company,
each individual contributes to a safe and healthy working environment.
We offer a voluntary health programme to our employees as well as
training in all health and safety-related areas.
7.)
Our business partners are obligated to comply with the applicable occupational health
and safety laws at the local, provincial and national levels, and to obtain the required
permits, licenses and approvals from the local, provincial and
national authorities.
8.)
Our business partners are obligated to establish and maintain documented health
and safety directives and/or procedures as well as an adequate
safety infrastructure and equipment.
9.)
At the MSN site, business partners are obligated to fully comply with the
applicable MSN directives.
Business ethics
1.)
Compliance with cartel and competition laws
We compete openly and fairly on the global market with our high quality
products and our reliability. In no way do we engage in illegal
and/or criminal practices. We do not engage in collusive tendering
to exclude or limit competition.
2.)
Conflicts of interest & bribery/corruption
Our employees are prohibited from participating in the business of competitors,
customers or suppliers, and from privately entering into business relationships with
them if this causes a moral conflict.
Our employees clearly distance themselves from requesting, accepting and receiving
unwarranted or illegal benefits that could influence business decisions
or transactions. Correspondingly, none
of our employees shall offer prohibited benefits to business partners, their employees
or other third parties in the course of business activities of any kind.
3.)
Suppliers
All suppliers are obligated to conduct their business activities in full compliance with
cartel laws and laws against unfair competition as they apply in the
jurisdictions where the suppliers operate.
All suppliers are obligated to comply with all applicable trade control provisions as
well as all applicable export, re-export and import laws
and regulations.
We have high expectations of our suppliers and demand that they, in the course of
conducting their business and especially in the treatment of employees, adhere to the
same strict principles that are applied by us.
As an importer, we emphasise the exact designation and classification of goods
and raw materials and the precise indication of the value and country of origin. We
expressly comply with local customs and import laws, regulations and procedures of
government authorities.
Environment
MSN is dedicated to protecting the environment. We protect the environment
through state-of-the-art facilities.
Our business partners obligate themselves to conduct their activities with environmental
awareness and efficiency, and to minimise negative effects on the environment.
MSN requires all business partners to comply with environmental laws at the
local, provincial and federal levels, and to obtain and maintain the required permits,
licenses and approvals from local, provincial and federal authorities.
MSN and its business partners minimise the amount of waste. Waste must be
recycled as far as possible or disposed of by corresponding specialist firms in order
to minimise the environmental impact.
Compliance
This code forms the basis of all contractual relationships between MSN and
its business partners. Compliance with these principles is taken into account by
MSN in the selection of business partners.
MSN employees abide by this code with no exceptions in the course of
their activities.
Failure to meet the requirements of this code by business partners can be
considered a violation of the contract(s) or transaction(s) between the business
partner and MSN, and MSN reserves the right to terminate or
withdraw from the contract(s) or transaction(s)
at its discretion.
All violations of this code of conduct must be reported to MSN. Notifications
must be sent exclusively to company management.