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ETI has been supporting its members by developing up-to-date guidance and briefings during Covid-19. We have developed specific enhanced expectations from our members, based on this guidance.
We expect members to be delivering on these requirements and to adopt an open and engaged approach to meeting this set of expectations. We will support and engage with members to assist them during the process.
Enhanced Expectations
1. Engage with ETI on the Enhanced Expectations (transparency of information to ETI)
Share relevant information with ETI on request that relates to achieving the expectations set out below and where not met, to provide clear explanations of what has been done and why it has not been possible to meet the expectation.
2. Engage with suppliers on supporting their ability to meet WHO H&S guidelines on key issues such H&S, PPE and Social distancing
The advice from the World Health Organisation on handwashing and the use of sanitizers is universal. It is vital therefore to reinforce health and safety messages to all suppliers and producers and support them to implement appropriate measures within the national context.
3. Suppliers are paid for finished products, enabling workers to be paid for past work
We expect businesses to honour their obligations, by paying in full for orders completed and received. For completed work that has not been shipped that the full cost actually incurred by the supplier is met, with any reductions due to saving in shipping cost for example, agreed with the supplier. Ensure that suppliers then pay workers for work done.
4. Engage with suppliers to cover costs for orders that could not be completed, enabling workers to be paid for past work
We expect businesses to honour their obligations, by covering costs incurred for orders in progress.
5. Pay suppliers originally agreed amounts
For completed orders with full costs already allocated, payment should be honoured in full and within reasonable time. Businesses should consider early payment and not withhold payments to suppliers as workers need money for medication, food or to survive periods of isolation.
6. Do not impose sanctions relating to order delays
Businesses should anticipate changes or delays in production and be flexible about delivery dates, payment terms, and financial liability. Any changes should be made after discussion and in agreement with suppliers.
7. Avoid cancelling orders
Collaborate with suppliers on orders for upcoming months to identify alternatives to cancelling orders and treat order cancellations as a last resort.
8. Engage with suppliers to ensure workers do not suffer any penalty for refusing to work due to actual or perceived risk of Covid-19 infection
All workers should have the right to remove themselves from a work situation which they have reasonable justification to believe presents an imminent and serious danger to their life or health, without undue consequences (e.g. loss of wages).
9. Engage with suppliers to ensure overtime practices meet ETI Base Code guidance requirements
Overtime beyond 60hrs must follow Base Code guidance and criteria (which allow for short justifiable bursts of excessive working where workers agree and additional risk assessments are first made).
10. The Base Code still applies during these exceptional circumstances
We expect members to adhere to the ETI Base Code as normal regardless of Covid-19 impacts.
11. Work to ensure no reduced access to workers' rights at work
Ensure that international labour standards are adhered to by suppliers regardless of State interventions resulting in local lower employment standards.
12. Conduct thorough due diligence
In the absence of regular on-site audits, contact NGOs and local trade unions to provide a due diligence “information safety net” to augment partial, desk-based self-assessment audit reports.