Code of Conduct

GOEX exist to make a difference.

Our mission is to break the orphan cycle through the dignity of work.

LIFE S.A. (LIFE) is our sister organization in Haiti that serves as our apparel maker. LIFE will comply with the Fair Labor Association (FLA) Code of Conduct standards, below. However, our objectives are loftier. Our goal is to turn the entire GOEX apparel enterprise, including LIFE, into a life-changing force for good for workers and children. Our objectives are to:

> Operate the best paying apparel basics business in Haiti, as recognition of the value and merit of the workers.

> Operate the most transparent production business in the industry, with an open-door policy for customers and visitors to experience what we do, how, and why.

> Operate the most generous apparel enterprise in the industry, devoting profits to care for orphaned and vulnerable children.

THE REQUIRED CODE OF CONDUCT STANDARDS ARE:

1. EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP

LIFE shall adopt and adhere to rules and conditions of employment that respect workers and, at a minimum, safeguard their rights under national and international labor and social security laws and regulations.

2. NONDISCRIMINATION

No person shall be subject to any discrimination in employment, including hiring, compensation, advancement, discipline, termination or retirement, on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, political opinion, social group or ethnic origin.

3. HARASSMENT OR ABUSE

Every employee shall be treated with respect and dignity. No employee shall be subject to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse.


4. FORCED LABOR

There shall be no use of forced labor, including prison labor, indentured labor, bonded labor or other forms of forced labor.

5. CHILD LABOR

No person shall be employed under the age of 16 or under the age for completion of compulsory education, whichever is higher. Employees under 18 must not work with hazardous materials or during the night. LIFE will comply with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and all local child labor laws, including those that require special protections for the health, livelihood, and wellbeing of workers under the age of 18.

6. FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

LIFE shall recognize and respect the right of employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

7. HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

LIFE shall provide a safe and healthy workplace setting to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, linked with, or occurring in the course of work or as a result of the operation of LIFE’s facilities. LIFE shall adopt responsible measures to mitigate against negative impacts that the workplace has on the environment.

8. HOURS OF WORK

LIFE shall not require workers to work more than the regular and overtime hours allowed by the law of Haiti. The regular work week shall not exceed 48 hours. LIFE shall allow workers at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in every seven-day period. All overtime work shall be consensual. LIFE shall not request overtime on a regular basis and shall compensate all overtime work at a premium rate. Other than in exceptional circumstances, the sum of regular and overtime hours in a week shall not exceed 60 hours.

9. THE WORKPLACE IS HEALTHY AND SAFE

The contractor provides a safe, hygienic, and healthy workplace setting and takes the necessary steps to prevent accidents and injury arising out of, linked with or occurring in the course of work or as a result of the operation of contractor’s facilities. The contractor has systems to detect, avoid and respond to potential risks to the safety and health of all employees.

10. COMPENSATION

Every worker has a right to compensation for a regular work week discretionary income. LIFE’s pay shall exceed the minimum wage and the appropriate prevailing wage, whichever is higher, with a structure for employees to significantly exceed these minimums. LIFE shall comply with all legal requirements on wages, and provide any fringe benefits required by law or contract.