Vendor Code of Conduct
At Aritzia, our objective is to conduct our business to the highest level of ethical standards and social responsibility. Where applicable, we have used the International Labour Organization standards as a guideline to develop our standards. Where the ILO is not involved, we have referenced industry regulations and applied local laws as well as Aritzia’s values, judgment and principles.
It is our intent to develop partnerships with Vendors who are committed to meeting the high standards outlined below.
Employment Standards
Child Labour
Vendors must not use child labour, defined as children under the age of 15 (or younger than the legal compulsory age for completing education). No hazardous work is to be completed by anyone under the age of 18. We are conscious of the impact of child labour regulation on the countries of our manufacturers and have developed our standard with the intent of maintaining, if not improving, an adequate living standard for individuals employed by our Vendors.
Human Trafficking & Slavery
All labour must be voluntary. Aritzia Vendors cannot use forced, illegal, or prison labour, nor can they engage in human trafficking or slavery.
Freedom of Association
Vendors will respect the legal rights of employees to freely, and without harassment or undue penalty, participate in worker organizations of their choice.
Discrimination
Vendors will not practice any form of discrimination in hiring and employment, inclusive of discrimination on the basis of age, race, colour, sexual preference, gender or religion. As a company focused on women’s fashion, we are especially conscious of the rights of women within those countries where we manufacture.
Disciplinary Practices
Vendors will treat employees with respect and, therefore, cannot use any form of physical, sexual, psychological or verbal abuse or harassment.
Wages & Benefits
Vendors will comply with the local legal requirements for wages and benefits or according to prevailing industry standard. If the two are conflicting the higher standard will be applied. We will not work with Vendors who violate local law.
Working Hours
Aritzia Vendors will ensure that the total hours worked do not exceed 60 hours per week inclusive of overtime, unless exceptional circumstances occur. Vendors must inform Aritzia if additional hours are required so that we may try to work together to reduce the frequency of excessive overtime. Overtime must be voluntary and employees must be compensated according to local law or industry standard (whichever is higher). Vendors must give employees a 7th day of rest, i.e., work a maximum of 6 consecutive days.
Health & Safety
Vendors will ensure that employees are provided with a safe and healthy work environment. At a minimum, Vendors will comply with local health and safety regulations. Women who are pregnant will not be required to do work that is prejudicial to the health of the mother or child.
Sub-Contracting
Vendors are not permitted to subcontract any part of the work, defined as all goods and services, without the express written consent of Aritzia. Any Vendors proposed as sub-contractors must also meet the standards outlined in this Vendor Code of Conduct.
The Environment
At a minimum, all Aritzia Vendors must conduct operations in a manner consistent with international environmental laws and regulations. Vendors are encouraged to implement systems to minimize the negative impact of their operations on the environment. At Aritzia we recognize that the clothing industry has a distance to go in developing the systems required to sustain our planet—we are committed to partnering with our Vendors to explore the ways to make things better.
Compliance
Vendors will comply with all industry regulations and all applicable laws. Where there are two conflicting laws, the most stringent will apply.
Customs
Vendors will comply with all applicable customs laws and take the necessary steps to prevent illegal transshipment of product.
Vendors will implement and maintain all areas of this Code of Conduct. Aritzia reserves the right to monitor and audit each factory in order to assure compliance, either through the use of external auditors or through our SER Manager. If a Vendor does not meet the standards required, Aritzia will request changes prior to conducting business. Aritzia will collaborate with the Vendor to identify the issues, specify requirements for adjustment and define a timeframe within which the changes must be made. If the Vendor does not make the required changes within the mutually agreed upon timeframe, Aritzia reserves the right to make adjustments to the business relationship, with the most extreme case being to sever the relationship.
