Ethical Sourcing Policy

The Officeworks Ethical Sourcing Policy is built on the principles of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions, to ensure there is a commitment that goods and services are sourced in a responsible manner while working with suppliers to improve their social and environmental practices.

If suppliers are unable to demonstrate a commitment to comply with the Officeworks Ethical Sourcing Policy (ESP), Officeworks reserves the right to terminate the Trading Agreement.

The ESP sets the minimum requirements, expected of suppliers. Where the provisions of the law and the Code address the same topic, whichever affords greater protection applies. Suppliers are expected to communicate this code to their suppliers. Where reasonably practicable, they should extend the principles of this Code through their supply chain.

1. Business Critical Issues

Officeworks considers bribery and corruption in any form and denial of site access to be a business-critical issue resulting in immediate cease of trade.

1.1 Business Integrity

• Suppliers must engage ethically in all dealings and provide transparent documentation and records.
• Bribes, favours, benefits or other similar unlawful or improper payments, in cash or in kind, are strictly prohibited, whether given to obtain business or otherwise. Refer to Clause 3.

1.2 Access to the site of manufacture

• Factories are required to grant access to the site of manufacture, if an independent audit is requested.
• Access is also to be granted in circumstances where Officeworks wishes to investigate alleged human rights abuses.

2. Minimum Requirements

All suppliers must fully comply with all local laws and regulations regarding labour, health, safety, and the environment. Suppliers must also fully comply with the legal requirements of the countries in which they operate, in addition to all elements of this Ethical Sourcing Policy.

2.1 Employment is freely chosen

• No forced or bonded labour or involuntary prison labour.
• Workers must not be required to lodge deposits or identity papers with suppliers.
• Workers must be free to leave their employment after reasonable notice has been given.

2.2 Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining

• Workers, without distinction, have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing and to bargain collectively.
• The employer adopts an open attitude towards the activities of trade unions and their organisational activities.
• Workers representatives are not discriminated against and have access to carry out their representative functions in the workplace.
• Where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining is restricted under law, the employer facilitates, and does not hinder, the development of parallel means for independent and free association and bargaining.

2.3 Child labour shall not be used.

• Suppliers must not use child labour. Child labour is defined as work that deprives children of their childhood, the opportunity to attend school and fulfil their potential and that is harmful to their physical and mental development.
• Suppliers must have the appropriate processes for verifying the age of job applicants and that the process is documented. Policies, procedures, and training must be in place for legally employable juvenile employees (young employees, interns, and apprentices).
• Suppliers must be able to verify the age of all employees to ensure no child labour is used. Officeworks refers to the International Labor Organization's Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), where the minimum age for work is defined as being below the age for finishing compulsory schooling, and in any case not less than 15 years of age.
• Children and young persons below the age of 18 must not be employed at night and in hazardous conditions.

2.4 No illegal labour

• Suppliers must be able to verify the legal entitlement of their employees to work in the country of employment.

2.5 No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed

• Physical abuse or discipline, the threat of physical abuse, sexual or other harassment and verbal abuse or other forms of intimidation are prohibited.

2.6 Wages and benefits are paid as per legal requirements.

• Wages and benefits paid for a standard working week must meet as a minimum national or industry standards, whichever is the higher. In any event, wages should always be enough to meet basic needs and to provide some discretionary income.
• All workers must be provided with written and understandable information about their employment conditions in respect to wages, before they enter employment, and about the particulars of their wages for the pay period concerned each time that are paid.
• Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure is not permitted. All disciplinary measures must be recorded.

2.7 Working hours are not excessive.

• Including any overtime, workers must not work above the maximum hours per week or per month as stipulated by local laws, or where local laws do not exist, a total of 60 hours per week.
• Workers must have at least one day off in 7 days or two days off in every 14 days.
• Overtime must be voluntary and compensated as prescribed by local laws.
• Record keeping on hours worked must be accurate, complete, and transparent always.
• Working hours exceeding 72 hours a week must not be a systemic occurrence. Employer is required to demonstrate:
  • Exceptional circumstances apply such as unexpected production peaks, accidents, or emergencies.
  • Appropriate safeguards to protect workers' health and safety have been undertaken.
  • This is permissible by national law.
  • A collective agreement that is freely negotiated with a workers' organisation representing a significant portion of the workforce, is in place.

2.8 No sub-contracting of major processes without prior written approval.

• There must be no sub-contracting unless documented and available for review by Officeworks or an independent auditor, including but not limited to records of subcontractors' names and locations.
• Officeworks considers sub-contracting to mean: “Unauthorised sites contracted by Officeworks' direct suppliers to produce or significantly contribute to the product in its final form for retail sale, packed in the retail unit, or produced in bulk in final form for retail packing elsewhere, or received in bulk final form for retail packing".
• Suppliers must have adequate policies and processes in place for properly managing subcontracting, to ensure that sub-contractors operate in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and the Officeworks Ethical Sourcing Policy.

2.9 Working conditions are safe & hygienic.

• A senior management representative must be assigned responsibility of health and safety. Trained personnel must administrate and oversee health and safety.
• With current working knowledge of the industry and associated hazards, suppliers must provide a working environment that is safe and hygienic.
• Health and safety training must be provided regularly to existing, reassigned and new workers. The training records must be maintained accurately.
• Personal protective equipment must be supplied, the workers supervised and workers trained in its use.
• Safeguards on machinery must meet or exceed local laws.
• Accommodation, if provided, must be clean, safe and meets workers' basic needs.
• Access to clean toilet facilities, potable water, and sanitary facilities for food storage, where applicable, must be provided.

2.10 No discrimination is practised.

• There is no discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination, or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, union membership or political affiliation.
• Sexual abuse or harassment must be prohibited.
• Pregnant workers must not be dismissed.
• Preg
  • Google Docs
  • Google Drive
  • Download [pdf]
  
  

  File Info : application/pdf, 6 Pages, 85.77KB

  Document Document
  Officeworks-Ethical-Sourcing-Policy Microsoft Word 2016

  Related Documents

  	Officeworks Sustainable Wood Fibre Sourcing Policy Officeworks' policy on sourcing sustainable and responsible wood fibre products, outlining targets, approach, partnerships, and compliance measures to ensure environmental and social responsibility.
  	Officeworks Announces Strong 2025 Full-Year Financial Results Officeworks reports a 3.8% revenue increase to $3,565 million and a 1.9% earnings increase to $212 million for the 2025 financial year, driven by key categories and strategic initiatives.
  	Officeworks Facilities Supplies Catalogue: Kitchen, Cleaning, Safety & Packaging Explore Officeworks' extensive range of facilities supplies, including kitchen, cleaning, safety, packaging, beverages, and bathroom essentials, designed to support business operations. Find quality products and expert solutions.
  	Officeworks Workplace Supplies Catalogue: Kitchen, Cleaning, Safety & Packaging Discover Officeworks' comprehensive range of workplace supplies, including kitchen essentials, cleaning products, safety equipment, and packaging solutions. Explore easy ordering, delivery options, and business account benefits.
  	School Recycling Program Step-by-Step Guide A step-by-step guide to implementing a school recycling program, from collecting a recycling box to celebrating the program's impact. Features instructions for collecting, setting up, promoting, returning, and restarting the recycling cycle.
  	Officeworks Business Furniture: Quality, Ergonomic Office Solutions & Fit-outs Discover Officeworks' comprehensive range of business furniture, including ergonomic chairs, height-adjustable desks, workstations, and storage solutions. Enhance productivity and comfort with quality, functional office furniture and expert fit-out services.
  	Circular Economy Key Principles Explained Discover the core principles of the circular economy: Refuse, Reduce, Remanufacture, Recycle, Rethink, Repair, Repurpose, and Recover. Learn how these strategies promote sustainability and resource efficiency.
  	QDSLTMC12B Wireless Earbuds with Charging Case - Instruction Manual Comprehensive instruction manual for the QDSLTMC12B wireless earbuds and charging case, covering product overview, pairing, usage, charging, functions, and troubleshooting.