Code of labour

CODE OF LABOUR PRACTICE NEGOTIATED WITH FIFA
(International Union Rights n. 1 1997)

On 3rd September 1996 the ITGLWF FIET and the ICFTU concluded an agreement with FIFA on the text of a code of labour practice for the production of footballs carrying the FIFA authorised marks, in a continuing effort to eliminate the use of child labour and other explorative practices. The code is also to be presented to the Worlf Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry which will be holding a special conference on child labour in London in November with a view to engaging the industry's active cooperation and support in this process. In addition to agreeing on the text of the code labour practice FIFA and the union organisations also concurred on the necessity for effective independent monitoring to ensure that its principles were respected at all levels of the industry and to discuss practical ways of achieving this. There wa also discussion on the introduction of education and training for children removed from the football producing industry. Discussions will be resumed with FIFA on the question of monitoring and on aid for the working children displaced as a result of the code.

Code of Labour Practice for Production of Goods Licenced by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)

PREAMBLE

In line with its guiding principles of fair play and ethical conduct, the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), recognizes its responsabilities to consumers for the quality of products procuced under its licensing arrangements, and to workers involved in the making of FIFA licensed products for the conditions under which these products are made.

Each licencee participating in the FIFA Denominations Programme must agree, as a condition of the license agreement, to ensure that the workers producing these products are provided with fair wages and decent working conditions, and that the international labour standards established by Conventions 29, 87, 98, 100, 105, 111 and 138 of the International Labour Organization are observed.

Licensees further agree to ensure that these conditions and standards are observed by each contractor and subcontractor in the production and distribution of FIFA-licensed products or components of these products. Licensees should, prior to placing orders with suppliers or engaging contractors and subcontractors, assess wheather the provisions of this Code can be met.

Each licensee licensed by FIFA under the FIFA Denominations Programme, and each contractor and subcontractor engaged by the Licensee, shall compulsorily implement and respect the following principles in the production and/or distribution of products bearing the FIFA name and/or FIFA authorised marks. Further more, each Licensee shall warrant that these principles shall be equally imposed upon all those employed or delegated by such Licensee.

CODE

EMPLOYMENT IS FREELY CHOSEN

There shall be no use of forced or bonded labour (ILO Conventions 29 and 105).

THERE IS NO DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT

Equality of opportunity and treatment regardless of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, nationality, social origin and other distinguishing characteristic shall be provided (ILO Conventions 100 and 111).

CHILD LABOUR IS NOT USED

There shall be no use of child labour. Only workers above age of 15 years shall be engaged (ILO Convention 138).

FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND THE RIGHT TO COLLETTIVE BARGAINING ARE RESPECTED

The right of workers to form and join trade unions and to bargain collectively shall be recognized (ILO Conventions 87 and 98). Employers should recognize the constructive contribution of trade unions to preventing exploitation and adopt a positive approach towards the activities of trade unions and an open attitude towards their organizational activities.

FAIR WAGES ARE PAID

Wages and benefits paid shall meet at least legal or industrial minimum standards and should be sufficient to meet basic needs and provide some discretionary income.

HOURS OF WORK ARE NOT EXCESSIVE

Hours of work shall comply with applicable laws and industrial standards. Workers shall not on a regular basis be required to work exess of 48 hours per week nor more than 12 hours overtime, and shall be provided with at least one day off for every 7 day period.

WORKING CONDITIONS ARE DECENT

A safe and hygienic working environment shall de provided, the best occupational health and safety practice shall be promoted, bearing in mind the prevailing knowledge of the industry and of any specific hazard.

THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP IS ESTABLISHED

Employers should endeavor to provide regular and secure employment and refrain from the excessive use of temporary or casual labour. Obligations to employees arising from the regular employment relationship should not be avoided through the use of labour-only subcontracting arrangements, or through apprenticeship schemes where there is no real intent to impart skills or provide regular employment. Younger workers should be provided the opportunity to participate in educational and training programmes.

IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING

Licensee, their contractors and subcontactors shall undertake to support and cooperate in the implementation and monitoring of the code by:

- providing FIFA or its agent with relevant information concerning their operations;
- permitting inspection at any time of their workplaces and operations by approved inspectors;
- maintaining records of the name, age, hours worked and wages paid for each worker and making these available to approved inspectors on request;
- informing, verbally and in writing, the workers concerned of the provisions of this code; and,
- refraining from disciplinary action, dismissal or otherwise discriminating against any worker for providing information concerning observance of this Code.

Any licensee, contractor or subcontractor found to be in breach of one or more terms of this Code of Labour Practice shall be subject to a range of sanctions up to and including withdrawal of the right to produce or organize production of FIFA-licensed goods. Furthermoree, licensees who fail to ensure that their conctractors or subcontractors abide by the Code of Labour Practice shall be subject to the same range of sanctions.

Questions as to the interpretation of the meaning of the provisions of this Code shall be resolved according to the procedure outlined in the memorandum of Understanding on the Code of Labour Practice between FIFA and the ICFTU/ITGLWF/FIET.

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