Code of Conduct
Preamble
For Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH, combining entrepreneurial activity with ethical principles is one of the key factors for long-term success and has a long tradition. We are convinced that ethical and economic values are interdependent and that the business world must strive to treat each other fairly and act within the framework of the specified standards. In our Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH Code of Conduct, we have summarised binding rules of conduct that all employees of Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH companies are required to comply with.
For us, it goes without saying that all employees in the various companies comply with the laws and regulations of the countries in which they operate and fulfil their obligations in a reliable manner. They must demonstrate integrity and fairness in all aspects of their business activities. We also require our partners to recognise their social responsibility towards their own company, towards customers and suppliers, towards the environment and towards society.
The ethical guidelines described in this Code of Conduct are based in particular on the principles of the UN Global Compact*, the ILO Conventions**, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights***, the UN Conventions on the Rights of the Child**** and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. This Code of Conduct for Contractual Partners sets out minimum standards that we require our customers, suppliers and other contractual partners (“partners”) to comply with. The standards apply to temporary workers, immigrant workers, student employees, freelance staff, direct employees and all other groups of employees.
These include, among others:
• Compliance with the legal provisions of the applicable legal system
• Avoidance of conflicts of interest
• Active and effective combating of all forms of corruption and bribery
• Prohibition of forced and child labour
• Respect for human rights
• Fair working conditions
• Taking responsibility for the health and safety of employees • Environmental protection
• Confidentiality
Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH reserves the right to change the requirements for partners and expects them to accept these changes accordingly. The partners expressly declare that they observe the principles of the UN Global Compact and work towards compliance with them in their business management.
A prerequisite for all contractual agreements between Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH and its partners is that the partners accept this Code of Conduct for Contractual Partners.
Integrity in business
Principles
The partners undertake to comply with the laws and regulations of the countries in which they operate and to fulfil their obligations in a reliable manner. They will demonstrate integrity and fairness in all aspects of their business activities and undertake to fulfil their social responsibility in all their business activities.
Conflicts of interest and corruption
When dealing with partners and government institutions, the interests of the company and the personal interests of employees on both sides are strictly separated. Actions and decisions are made free from irrelevant considerations and personal interests. The applicable criminal law on corruption must be observed. Among other things, the following must be observed:
Offences involving public officials
Partners and their employees are prohibited from offering, promising, approving or granting personal benefits to public officials (such as civil servants or public service employees or party officials) (in particular benefits of a monetary nature such as payments and loans, including repeated small gifts over a longer period of time) in order to obtain advantages for partners, themselves or third parties in the context of a service that has not yet been specifically determined.
Criminal offences in business transactions
Monetary benefits or personal advantages in return for preferential treatment in business transactions may not be offered, promised, granted or approved. Similarly, no personal advantages may be demanded when dealing with partners. Partners must require their employees not to promise or accept such advantages.
No employee may accept benefits of any kind, in particular personal gifts* or benefits arising from business relationships with Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH**, if it can reasonably be assumed that these could influence business decisions or transactions. Therefore, the management and employees of partners may not offer, promise or grant such benefits to employees of Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH. Neither the management nor employees of partners may accept such benefits from an employee of Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH. Invitations must remain within the bounds of customary business hospitality.
Fair competition
The standards for fair business practices and fair competition must be observed. Partners must not act in any way that could be interpreted as unfair, anti-competitive or abusive. All activities must comply with antitrust and competition law provisions and regulations. In dealing with competitors, these regulations prohibit, in particular, agreements and other activities that influence prices or conditions, allocate sales territories or customers, or impede free and open competition in an impermissible manner. Furthermore, these regulations prohibit agreements that restrict the freedom of contractual partners to determine their prices and other conditions independently.
Money laundering
The partners comply with all laws prohibiting money laundering or the financing of illegal or unlawful purposes. They must ensure that they only do business with reputable business partners, i.e. business partners who conduct legal business with funds from legal sources.
* Small gifts up to a total value of €50 are not taken into account; however, national tax regulations must be observed in this regard. The acceptance of money is generally prohibited. ** For example, private commissions should not be given to individuals and companies that also have business relationships with Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH if this could lead to an impermissible advantage for the employee and/or damage to Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH. In any case, such commissions must be discussed in advance with the responsible compliance officer.
Intellectual property and asset protection
Confidential information about Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH and the stakeholders of Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH must be treated confidentially by the partners. It must not be passed on to persons who are not entitled to this information. The partners oblige their employees to protect trade and business secrets. Confidential information and documents may not be disclosed to third parties or made accessible in any other way without appropriate permission, unless permission has been granted or the information is publicly available. Partners are required to respect the assets of Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH and its shareholders. Their employees may only use the assets of Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH and the assets of others with the appropriate permission. Partners must not tolerate the theft of assets. The property and equipment of Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH must not be misused, damaged or lost.
Responsible procurement
Partners are obliged to ensure that goods and materials are not sourced from dubious or illegal sources. They are obliged to take measures to ensure the responsible procurement of goods and materials in order to comply with laws and regulations. The purchase and trade of minerals from conflict areas whose trade is regulated (in particular the conflict minerals tantalum, tin, tungsten, gold and their derivatives considered to be conflict-related) is not permitted. Business partners must ensure that no items containing metals produced from minerals originating in conflict areas where the sale directly or indirectly finances armed groups are delivered to Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH.
Management system
Partners are required to apply the provisions and content of this Code of Conduct for Contractual Partners within their companies, either by introducing an appropriate management system or by providing clear documentation that the company’s corporate culture inevitably addresses issues of all kinds.
Partners are free to introduce codes of conduct for themselves and their employees, but these must not restrict the standards defined in this Code of Conduct for Contractual Partners. They undertake to inform their employees about the contents of the Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH Code of Conduct for Contractual Partners and the resulting obligations.
Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH reserves the right to check compliance with this Code of Conduct at any time and without prior notice, or to have it checked by independent third parties. The checks are always carried out within the framework of the applicable law.
If a violation of applicable law or the provisions of this Code of Conduct is identified, Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH must be notified immediately. Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH reserves the right to terminate the contractual relationship if applicable law or this Code of Conduct is violated.
Labour and human rights
Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH requires its partners to respect the human rights of all employees and to treat employees with respect and dignity in accordance with the understanding of the International Labour Organisation. Partners must support the United Nations Human Rights Conventions and advocate for fair working conditions for all persons employed at their workplaces and in their supply chain. Partners’ employees must ensure that these universally recognised fundamental rights are observed.
Forced labour
The partners reject any form of forced labour. No employee may be forced to work directly or indirectly through violence and/or intimidation. Employees may only be employed if they have voluntarily made themselves available for employment. Slavery, human trafficking, debt bondage and involuntary prison labour in the supply chain are not tolerated by Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH.
Child labour
The partners observe the United Nations regulations on human rights, in particular the rights of children. Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH requires all partners to show zero tolerance for child labour in their companies and supply chains. This applies to all stages of production. The minimum age for admission to employment must not be below the age at which compulsory schooling ends and in no case below 15 years of age or a higher minimum age if local laws so require. In particular, partners also undertake to comply with the ILO Convention on the prohibition and immediate action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.
If national regulations stipulate stricter standards with regard to child labour, these shall take precedence.
Fair working conditions and remuneration
Partners must ensure that wages and social benefits for their employees and subcontractors comply with national and local laws and any contractual agreements. They must also ensure that the maximum working hours specified in the respective country are observed. If there are regulations in countries where we operate that do not meet our standards, we work with our partners to develop concepts that take regional conditions into account.
Humane treatment and anti-discrimination
Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH requires all partners to refrain from unacceptable treatment of workers, such as physical punishment, torture, sexual harassment, abuse, psychological or physical coercion, insults – or the threat of such behaviour. They must not exploit anyone. They must not do business with companies, individuals or organisations that disregard human rights standards and principles. Partners are required to oppose all forms of discrimination within the framework of applicable rights and laws. They must ensure equal treatment and equal opportunities for employees, job applicants and business partners. In addition, partners are encouraged to create an atmosphere of respectful coexistence and to oppose any discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual identity, social background, ideology, political views, trade union membership, age, disability or personal or social circumstances.
Freedom of association
Partners shall respect their employees’ right to freedom of association within the framework of applicable rights and laws. They are expected to communicate with their employees and employee representatives in an open and constructive manner. In accordance with local laws, they shall respect their employees’ right to freedom of association, as well as their right to appoint employee representatives, join trade unions, engage in collective bargaining and establish works councils. It must be ensured that all employees can speak openly with management about working conditions.
Privacy
Partners must respect employees’ right to protection of their personal data. They must also ensure that the use of personal data – as well as the collection, recording, storage and deletion of such data – is carried out in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Occupational safety and health protection
The partners shall make continuous efforts to create a safe and healthy working environment. The partners are required to ensure the safety and health protection of employees in the workplace in accordance with national regulations.
Health and safety at work
Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH requires its partners to provide their employees with a safe and healthy working environment. Partners regularly identify safety risks and update preventive measures on an ongoing basis. They must strictly comply with the safety and health standards of Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH and the relevant legal regulations. All employees must receive appropriate training before starting work and must be provided with proper equipment that enables them to work safely. In addition, employees are entitled and obliged to stop unsafe work immediately.
Prevention and preparation for crisis situations
Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH requires its partners to ensure safe working processes and appropriate controls and to guarantee preventive maintenance in order to minimise any health and safety risks in the workplace. In this regard, partners are expected to check their production processes and machinery for health and safety hazards. The effects of identified hazards must be minimised by introducing emergency procedures. Health and safety incidents on projects, in workplaces and on construction sites of Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH must always be reported to Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH.
Environmental protection
The partners are committed to the goal of sustainable environmental protection. Laws and international standards as well as customer regulations enacted for the protection of the environment must be observed. The necessary official approvals, licences and registrations must be obtained and maintained. Partners undertake to minimise environmental impact and to continuously improve environmental protection. Partners are required to regularly identify risks to the environment and to take appropriate preventive measures. They support environmentally conscious behaviour on the part of their employees.
Environmental pollution and resource conservation
Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH requires its partners to conserve natural resources. Negative impacts on the climate, environment and wildlife must be minimised or avoided through the reuse and recycling of materials, the adaptation of production processes and the use of substitute materials. Partners are also expected to participate in the development and application of climate-friendly products and working methods in order to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Hazardous substances
Biological, chemical or other substances that – on their own or in interaction with other substances – may pose a risk to humans, animals or the environment must be identified and controlled to ensure their safe handling. This applies not only to the storage, movement and use of these substances, but also to their recycling and disposal. All safety-related data must be passed on to Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH.
Wastewater and solid waste
Partners must have systems in place to ensure safety in the handling, transport, storage, reuse and recycling of wastewater and solid waste.
They are expected to reduce or avoid waste of any kind, including energy, for example by modifying production processes, maintenance, use of substitutes, recycling or reuse. All activities with potentially negative effects on human or animal health or the environment must be controlled in an appropriate manner. Waste water and solid waste resulting from facilities must be monitored and evaluated by the partners before discharge or disposal. The substances must be treated in accordance with the regulations.
Contractual partner of the partner
Partners are required to communicate the principles of this Code of Conduct to their direct contractual partners, to promote compliance with its contents among their contractual partners to the best of their ability, and to request that they also adhere to these principles. They are also required to recommend that their contractual partners request their own contractual partners to comply with this Code of Conduct for Contractual Partners.
Information hotline
Partners (including employees and supply chain partners) are obliged to report suspected or proven misconduct to Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH. Information about possible criminal offences, non-compliance with legal or internal company regulations, environmental issues, social problems, safety concerns or other internal company grievances can be reported – anonymously or confidentially, if desired – via the internal or external Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH hotline. When calling the internal hotline, the caller speaks to a Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH compliance employee; when calling the external hotline, the caller is connected to an independent lawyer specialising in criminal law.
Internal hotline: Tel.: +49 0611 79080
External hotline reports can alternatively be forwarded to the compliance organisation by email.
Email address: compliance@wiedemann-gmbh.com
Fritz Wiedemann & Sohn GmbH will not take action against persons who report suspected or proven misconduct in good faith, nor will it tolerate any retaliatory measures by other persons. Similarly, the partner may not take action against persons who report suspected or proven misconduct in good faith, nor may it tolerate retaliatory measures by other persons. “In good faith” means that the reported facts correspond to the best of the reporting person’s knowledge and belief and that the person passes on all information about the facts that is known to them.