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1. Labour
The members of BTHA believe in the fair treatement and lawful compensation of workers. Accordingly, we believe that no forced, indentured of underage labour should be utilised to produce toys, wholly or in part. That means that employees must show up for work voluntarily, not be put at risk of harm and be fairly compensated all in accordance with the prevailing local laws. And we believe that due diligence should be exercised to ensure compliance.
Therefore, the BTHA Council recommends that, in those circumstances deemed appropriate, BTHA memebers will ensure:
a) That on-site inspections be conducted regularly at all facilities used to produce toys and toy components, including the facilities af contractors and subcontractors, to determine whether any forced, indentured or underage labour is employed.
b) That contractors and subcontractors certify that no forced, indentured of underage workers are employed to produce goods, wholly or in part.
c) That, when appropriate, letters of credit include among the conditions of payment a certification by the supplier that no forced, indentured or underage labour was used to produce the covered merchandise or any parts thereof.
d) That contracts state the furnishing of merchandise made in whole or in part by forced, indentured or underage labour is a breach of contract for wich the contract may be cancelled and damages assessed.
e) That contracts for merchandise not covered by a letter of credit require the presentation of a signed and dated cerficate stating that no forced, indentured or underage labour was used to produce the covered merchandise or any parts thereof.
f) That local legislation on underaged labour is complied with in all cases.
2. Working Conditions
The BTHA also believes that toys should be manufactured in a safe, hygienic working environment. Its members will, therefore, avoid using vendors where working conditions are unacceptably poor and will seek to ensure, principally through continuing dialogue with its vendors and an open attitude towards worker representation, that:
a) Factory working conditions are well ventilated, with confortable, well lit work stations.
b) Fire exits are adequate and well identified and employees are trained for emergency evacuation, if required. The use of safety equipment and instruction should be emphasised.
c) Professional medical assistance should be available with specified employees trained for emergency needs.
d) Employee living quarters, food, clothing allowance or other provision ahould be adequate to meet the standards of the job.
e) Business will not be provided to supplier vendors who subject employees to unhealthy, unsafe conditions or employ enreasonable mental or physical disciplinaty practices.
f) Vendors will be encouraged to establish education or training programmes for employees in basic health and hygiene.
3. Other
BTHA members will also do their best to ensure that:
a) All vendors and subcontractors comply with the national laws of the country in which the business is being conducted. Such legislation is to include, but is not limited to, building safety, fire code rules, employment standards, employee health and safety regulation.
b) Employee working hours should be governed by local standards but are not to be more than 60 hours per week for full-time employment. Each employee should have at least one day off during every 7 day working week.
c) Part-time or temporary employment will be governed by local and national regulations. Hours worked on a temporary basis should not exceed those for full employment.
d) Employees should be paid in accordance with local and/or national laws and will be paid overtime as earned in accordance with such legislation.
This code will be administered to direct contractors, who in turn will be required to supervise their subcontractors in the same terms.
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