UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR VENDORS

The University of Guelph is committed to conducting its business affairs in a manner consistent with its employee personnel policies and expects its vendors to conduct their business in a manner consistent with, and follow workplace standards that adhere to this Code of Conduct (the “Code”). The Code is subject to amendment to reflect any subsequently developed standards either by the University or national higher education organization whose code the University chooses to adopt.

Throughout this Code the term “vendor” shall include each contractor, subcontractor or manufacturer that is engaged in a manufacturing process that results in a finished product for the consumer. “Manufacturing process” shall include assembly and packaging.

As a condition of being permitted to produce products bearing the name, trademarks and/or images of the University of Guelph, each vendor must comply with this Code and ensure that its contractors comply with this Code.

REMEDIATION: If the University of Guelph determines that any vendor or contractor has failed to remedy a violation of this Code, the University Of Guelph will consult with the vendor to examine the issues and determine the appropriate measures to be taken.

LEGAL COMPLIANCE: University of Guelph vendors and their contractors must comply, at a minimum, with all applicable legal requirements of the country in which products are manufactured. Where this Code and the applicable laws of the country of manufacture conflict or differ, the higher standard shall prevail. Such compliance shall include compliance with all applicable environmental laws.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS: University of Guelph vendors and their contractor must operate workplaces, and ensure that their contractors operate workplaces, that adhere to the following minimum standards and practices. The University of Guelph will only do business with vendors whose workers are present to work voluntarily, are not at undue risk of physical harm, are fairly compensated and are not exploited in any way. In addition, the following specific guidelines must be followed:

1. Wages & Benefits: Vendors must provide wages and benefits which comply with all applicable laws and regulations and which match or exceed the local prevailing wages and benefits in the relevant industry. It is the spirit and goal of this clause that wages should be sufficient to meet basic needs and to provide some discretionary income.

2. Working Hours: Except in extraordinary circumstances, employees shall (i) not be required to work more than the lesser of (a) 48 hours per week and 12 hours overtime per week, or (b) the limits on regular and overtime hours allowed by the law of the country of manufacture; and (ii) be entitled to at least one day off in every 7 day period.

3. Overtime Compensation: In addition to their compensation for regular hours of work, employees shall be compensated for overtime hours at such a premium rate as is legally required in that country, but not less than at a rate equal to their regular hourly compensation rate.

4. Child Labour: The use of child labour is not permissible and will not be tolerated. We will not accept products from Vendors that utilize, in any manner, child labour in their contracting, subcontracting or other relationships for the manufacture of their products. Workers can be no less than 14 years of age or younger than the compulsory age to be in school in the country in which the Vendor is doing business, if that age is higher than 14.

5. Forced Labour: The use of forced labour and prison labour is not permissible and will not be tolerated

6. Health and Safety: Vendors must provide workers with a safe and healthy work environment and must at a minimum, comply with local and national health and safety laws. If residential facilities are provided to workers, they must be safe and healthy facilities.

7. Discrimination: While the University of Guelph recognizes and respects cultural differences, all workers must be employed on the basis of their ability to do the job, rather than on personal characteristics. We insist upon doing business only with Vendors who share this value.

8. Harassment or Abuse: Every employee shall be treated with dignity and respect. No employee shall be subject to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse. Vendors will not use or tolerate any form of corporal punishment.

9. Freedom of Association: Vendors and their contractors shall recognize and respect the right of employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining with bargaining representatives of their own choice. No employee shall be subject to harassment, intimidation or retaliation as a result of his or her efforts to freely associate or bargain collectively.

COMPLIANCE: Each vendor will be required to provide written assurances to the University of Guelph that it and its contractors adhere to this Code.

DISCLOSURE:

a) The company names, owners, and/or officers, addresses, and nature of the business association, including the steps performed in the manufacturing process of all the licensees’ contractors and manufacturing plants which are involved in the manufacturing process of items which bear, or will bear, the name, trademarks and or images of the University of Guelph shall be made public information.

b) The vendor shall be required to report immediately to the University of Guelph any changes in its business operations, which materially affect the application of the Code, such as the selection of a new factory. This information will also be made publicly available.

VERIFICATION:

It shall be the responsibility of each University of Guelph vendor to ensure its compliance with this Code, and to verify that its contractors are in compliance with this Code.

The University of Guelph reserves the right to examination of the practices, activities and work sites of its licensees and their contractors. This examination can be by University personnel or representatives of the University.