Code of Conduct

Alma Matters is committed to the following General and Labor standards and selects only those Suppliers which are committed to do the same:

Legal Compliance: We must comply with all applicable legal requirements of the country(ies) of manufacture in conducting business related to or involving the production or sale of our Products whether licensed or unlicensed. Where there are differences or conflicts with the Code and the laws of the country(ies) of manufacture, the higher standard shall prevail, subject to the following considerations. In countries where law or practice conflicts with these labor standards, We agree to consult with governmental, human rights, labor and business organizations and to take effective actions to achieve the maximum possible compliance with each of these standards. We further agree to refrain from any actions that would diminish the protections of these labor standards.

We are also committed to the following Labor Standards: 

1. Wages and Benefits: We recognize that wages are essential to meeting employees' basic needs. We shall pay employees, as a floor, at least the minimum wage required by local law or the local prevailing wage, whichever is higher, and shall provide legally mandated benefits.
2. Overtime Compensation: In addition to their compensation for regular hours of work, hourly and/or quotabased wage employees shall be compensated for overtime hours at such a premium rate as is legally required in the country of manufacture or, in those countries where such laws do not exist, at a rate at least equal to their regular hourly compensation rate.
3. Working Hours: Except in extraordinary business circumstances, hourly and/or quota-based wage employees shall (i) not be required to work more than the lesser of (a) 48 hours per week and 12 hours overtime or (b) the limits on regular and overtime hours allowed by the law of the country of manufacture or, where the laws of such country do not limit the hours of work, the regular work week in such country plus 12 hours overtime; and (ii) be entitled to at least one day off in every seven day period.
4. Child Labor: We shall not employ any person at an age younger than 15 (or 14, where, consistent with International Labor Organization practices for developing countries, the law of the country of manufacture allows such exception). Where the age for completing compulsory education is higher than the standard for the minimum age of employment stated above, the higher age for completing compulsory education shall apply to this section. We agree to consult with governmental, human rights and nongovernmental organizations, and to take reasonable steps to minimize the negative impact on children released from employment as a result of implementation or enforcement of the Code.
5. Forced Labor: There shall not be any use of forced prison labor, indentured labor, bonded labor or other forced labor.
6. Health and Safety: We shall provide a safe and healthy working environment to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, linked with, or occurring in the course of work or as a result of the operation of our facilities.
7. Nondiscrimination: No person shall be subject to any discrimination in employment, including hiring, salary, benefits, advancement, discipline, termination or retirement, on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, political opinion, or social or ethnic origin.
8. Harassment or Abuse: Every employee shall be treated with dignity and respect. No employee shall be subject to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse. We will not use or tolerate any form of corporal punishment.
9. Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining: We shall recognize and respect the right of employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining.