Policy Surrounding the Prevention and Mitigation of Risks Related to Forced Labor, Human Trafficking, and Other Forms of Modern Slavery
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Policy Objective
This policy aims to establish and communicate the stance of Anderson Group Inc. (“Anderson”) regarding forced labor, human trafficking, or any other form of modern slavery. It clarifies the acts that constitute an infraction and details the procedures to follow in the event of a suspected violation of these policies.
Scope and Applicability of this Policy
This policy applies to all internal members (employees, administrators, board members, interns, or volunteers) as well as external stakeholders to the organization (consultants, subcontractors, individuals, or organizations with short-term or long-term contractual obligations, such as third parties, suppliers, agencies, and partners), and any other person acting on behalf of Anderson (“representatives”). Internal members, external stakeholders, and representatives are required to read, understand, and adhere to all aspects of this policy.
2. Stance on Forced Labor, Human Trafficking, and Other Forms of Modern Slavery
2.1 Situation
In the normal course of its operations, Anderson may interact with suppliers located in countries experiencing crises and conflicts. Under such circumstances, the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, are at risk of becoming victims of mistreatment, forced labor, or human trafficking.
2.2 Position
Anderson does not tolerate forced labor, human trafficking, or any other form of modern slavery. These activities are serious violations of human rights and are subject to criminal offenses. Anderson’s representatives must not engage in, support, or facilitate modern slavery. Anderson is also committed to preventing and detecting any suspected acts of this type of slavery, conducting thorough investigations, and reporting incidents to the relevant authorities as necessary.
2.3 Acts Constituting an Offense and Thus Strictly Prohibited
- Human trafficking, including the recruitment, harboring, transportation, or reception of people through the use of violence, deception, or coercion. Exploitation includes forced prostitution, forced labor, forced begging, enforced criminality, domestic servitude, forced marriage, and organ trafficking;
- Sexual activity in exchange for payment or in return for a job, goods, or services;
- Humiliating or degrading behavior, or any form of exploitation in exchange for payment or in return for a job, goods, or services;
- The use of forced labor, including any work or service that a person is compelled to perform against their will or under the threat of punishment;
- Acts that directly support or facilitate forced labor, human trafficking, or modern slavery, including:
- The buying, selling, or trading of another human being;
- Physical coercion or restriction of someone else’s freedom of movement;
- The destruction, concealment, or confiscation of someone’s identification or immigration documents, or otherwise denying access to them;
- Soliciting a person for employment or offering employment under false or fraudulent pretenses;
- Failure to comply with housing and safety standards in force in the host country when providing or arranging accommodation;
3. Procedure in the Event of a Proven or Suspected Violation of this Policy
3.1 Situation
Any suspicion or allegation of forced labor, human trafficking, or other forms of modern slavery, any support or facilitation of forced labor or human trafficking, any failure to report such activities, or any other violation of this policy must be promptly reported and investigated.
3.2 Actions to Take
It is incumbent upon all representatives to respond swiftly while ensuring the anonymity and safety of whistleblowers. If you suspect a violation, report it to your supervisor or your contact person at Anderson. If you are uncomfortable speaking to your direct supervisor, share your concerns with another manager at your workplace. You can also send a confidential report by email to: RH@grpanderson.com.
4. Sanctions in Case of Violation of This Policy
In the event of a violation of this policy, whether by engaging in human trafficking, facilitating it, supporting it, or failing to report any suspicions, sanctions may include dismissal, termination of a contract or relationship with Anderson, as well as reporting to the authorities.
PDF version of this document: 2024-04-30 – Politique S-211 – EN_Signée
Copy of our latest Report to Public Safety Canada
Available soon
Commitment to Human Rights and Expectations towards our Suppliers
Commitment to Human Rights We recognize the importance of protecting human rights. We are fully aware of our role and rely on our resources, training, and the continual updating of these to ensure their respect within our organization as well as in our supply chain. This commitment is in line with our approach to social responsibility. This commitment is based on our Policy surrounding the prevention and mitigation of risks related to forced labor, human trafficking, and other forms of modern slavery, hereinafter referred to as the “Policy”. We recognize the fundamental principles and rights at work as defined in the Declaration of the International Labour Organization (ILO) .
Our suppliers’ adherence to the Policy helps promote fair practices towards workers. We wish for all our suppliers to share our commitment by respecting the following principles.
Prohibition of Forced Labor
Suppliers must not use forced or involuntary labor, including human trafficking or other forms of modern slavery. Each worker must be employed on a voluntary basis and must be free to terminate their employment with reasonable notice, according to the job held.
Prohibition of Child Labor and Age Verification and Documentation
Suppliers must not employ workers below the legal minimum age for employment, as defined by applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, mechanisms must be established and maintained to verify age in order to ensure compliance with legal age requirements for employment.
Health and Safety at Work
Suppliers must provide a safe and secure work environment for all workers, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations regarding health and safety at work.
Compliance and Corrective Actions
Anderson Group reserves the right to conduct audits and inspections to verify compliance with the Policy. Suppliers must implement corrective measures in the event of non-compliance. Failure to follow up and implement adequate measures by a supplier could lead to the termination of the business relationship.
Vigilance, Collaboration, and Transparency of Suppliers
Anderson Group requires their suppliers to disclose information regarding policies, procedures, and practices related to labor and human rights when requested. The responsibility for preventing and mitigating risks related to forced labor, human trafficking, and other forms of modern slavery lies at all levels of the supply chain.
PDF of this document: 2024-04-30 – Engagement-EN_Signé
Procedure to follow in case of proven or suspected violation of rights
We recognize the importance of protecting human rights. We are fully aware of our role and rely on our resources, training, and the continual updating of these to ensure their respect within our organization as well as in our supply chain. This commitment is in line with our approach to social responsibility.
This commitment is based on our Policy[1] surrounding the prevention and mitigation of risks related to forced labor, human trafficking, and other forms of modern slavery. We recognize the fundamental principles and rights at work as defined in the Declaration of the International Labour Organization (ILO)[2].
Acts constituting an offense and thus strictly prohibited
- Human trafficking, including the recruitment, harboring, transportation, or reception of people through the use of violence, deception, or coercion. Exploitation includes forced prostitution, forced labor, forced begging, enforced criminality, domestic servitude, forced marriage, and organ trafficking;
- Sexual activity in exchange for payment or in return for a job, goods, or services;
- Humiliating or degrading behavior, or any form of exploitation in exchange for payment or in return for a job, goods, or services;
- The use of forced labor, including any work or service that a person is compelled to perform against their will or under the threat of punishment;
- Acts that directly support or facilitate forced labor, human trafficking, or modern slavery, including:
- The buying, selling, or trading of another human being;
- Physical coercion or restriction of someone else’s freedom of movement;
- The destruction, concealment, or confiscation of someone’s identification or immigration documents, or otherwise denying access to them;
- Soliciting a person for employment or offering employment under false or fraudulent pretenses;
- Failure to comply with housing and safety standards in force in the host country when providing or arranging accommodation;
Actions to take
If you suspect a violation, report it to your supervisor or your contact person at Anderson. If you are uncomfortable speaking to your direct supervisor, share your concerns with another manager at your workplace. You can also send a confidential report by email to: RH@grpanderson.com.
PDF of this document: Report an Event-EN
[1] A copy of the Policy is available on our website: https://grpanderson.com/
[2] https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—ed_norm/—declaration/documents/normativeinstrument/wcms_716594.pdf
