The Pharmaceutical Industry Principles for Responsible Supply Chain Management: Labor

Suppliers shall be committed to uphold the human rights of workers and to treat them with dignity and respect. The Labor elements include:

1. Freely Chosen Employment: Suppliers shall not use forced, bonded or indentured labor or involuntary prison labor.
2. Child Labor and Young Workers: Suppliers shall not use child labor. The employment of young workers below the age of 18 shall only occur in non hazardous work and when young workers are above a country's legal age for employment or the age established for completing compulsory education.
3. Non-Discrimination: Suppliers shall provide a workplace free of harassment and discrimination. Discrimination for reasons such as race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, religion, political affiliation, union membership or marital status is not condoned.
4. Fair Treatment: Suppliers shall provide a workplace free of harsh and inhumane treatment, including any sexual harassment, sexual abuse, corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion or verbal abuse of workers and no threat of any such treatment.
5. Wages, Benefits and Working Hours: Suppliers shall pay workers according to applicable wage laws, including minimum wages, overtime hours and mandated benefits. Suppliers shall communicate with the worker the basis on which they are being compensated in a timely manner. Suppliers are also expected to communicate with the worker whether overtime is required and the wages to be paid for such overtime.
6. Freedom of Association: Open communication and direct engagement with workers to resolve workplace and compensation issues is encouraged. Suppliers shall respect the rights of workers, as set forth in local laws, to associate freely, join or not join labor unions, seek representation and join workers' councils. Workers shall be able to communicate openly with management regarding working conditions without threat of reprisal, intimidation or harassment.