Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI)
CED STONE AND THE ETHICAL TRADING INITIATIVE:
CED Stone are full and active members of the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative), beginning our journey with them back in April 2012. The ETI is a leading alliance of commercial companies, Trade Unions and NGOs, that promotes respect for workers’ rights around the globe. Their vision is a world where all workers are free from exploitation and discrimination, and enjoy conditions of freedom, security, and equity.
The Covid pandemic has made this work even more vital as vulnerable workers face new challenges in the work place as well as potential Lock-Downs at their place of work.
Global supply chains are already highly complex and challenging for companies committed to trading ethically. Workers’ rights issues are often deep-rooted and widespread and are best tackled through collaborative action. Through our involvement with ETI we can harness the expertise, skills, and resources of their alliance members to identify these issues and help develop innovative, long-lasting solutions. Our measure of success is that workers can negotiate effectively for a better working life where their rights are respected.
We are committed to the Principles within the ETI Base Code and respecting labour rights in our supply chain. The Base Code has been drawn up by The Ethical Trading Initiative, based upon the labour standards set out by the ILO (International Labour Organisation). We insist that all our over-seas suppliers sign up for and abide by the ETI Base Code. In addition, our suppliers must sign up to our own Ethical Suppliers Guide and our Ethical Business Contract.
The key pillars of the Base Code are as follows:
⦁ Employment is freely chosen and there is no forced or bonded labour.
⦁ Workers can form and join trade unions and bargain collectively.
⦁ Working conditions must be safe and hygienic.
⦁ There shall be no use or recruitment of "child labour".
⦁ Living wages are paid.
⦁ Working hours are not excessive.
⦁ No discrimination is practiced.
⦁ Regular employment is provided.
⦁ No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed.
Visit their website for more information on the work that ETI are involved with and to view a copy of their Base Code: www.ethicaltrade.org
This document is approved by CED Director Calum Fraser.
