Human Rights Policy
Respect for human rights is an essential value of Grain Millers. We make every effort to respect and promote human rights in accordance with the International Bill of Human Rights, International Labor Organization Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This is our focus in our relationships with our employees, those in our value chain, and the communities in which we operate, and is the foundation of our Human Rights Policy.
GMI’s Human Rights Policy aligns with our Code of Ethics, Business, and Environmental policies covering diversity, environment, health and safety, and employee relations. Grain Millers is dedicated to the principles that all persons should be treated with respect.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Among others, we view the following constituents as stakeholders in our Human Rights Policy: Shareholders, Employees, Communities/Neighbors, Contractors, Producers/Vendors/Suppliers, Governments and applicable Union.
We recognize that we are part of the communities in which we operate, and that at each location there are several overlapping “communities.” Grain Millers is committed to associating with Stakeholders who share our values of integrity, fairness, honesty, and respect for all individuals. Where appropriate, we engage with our communities on human rights matters that are important to them. Our aim is to ensure through dialogue that we are listening to, learning from, and considering their views as we conduct our business. We believe that local issues are typically best addressed at the local level.
Respect for Human Rights
Grain Millers recognizes the importance of maintaining and promoting the fundamental human rights of employees by operating under programs and policies that:
- Promote a workplace free of discrimination and harassment.
- Prohibit child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking.
- Provide fair and equitable wages, benefits, and other conditions of employment in accordance with local laws.
- Provide safe working conditions.
- Recognize employee’s rights to freedom of association.
Discrimination and Harassment
We believe every employee has the right to be treated fairly and deserves a comfortable and safe working environment. Grain Millers prohibits discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military service, or other characteristic protected by law.
Everyone has the right to work without fear or intimidation. Grain Millers does not accept abusive conduct or harassment – a policy made clear from the first day of orientation. Employees are expected to report situations that compromise their ability to do their jobs. Formal channels are available for employees who seek advice or a solution, and our policies strictly prohibit retaliation against employees who express concerns. We manage our business operations so that employees feel they are being treated fairly and respectfully.
Diversity and Inclusion
Grain Millers is committed to be a high-performing organization built on the foundation of a diverse and inclusive workforce, with individuals and teams working to blend a wide range of talents, preferences and perspectives in pursuit of shared purposes. Employees are expected to be open to dialogue and tolerant of others’ differences and participate in open and honest communication as well as assuming the positive intent of others.
Forced Labor and Human Trafficking
The Company will not use slave or involuntary labor, whether bonded, prison, military, compulsory or indentured labor, including debt servitude or human trafficking with respect to any aspect of its operations.
Child Labor
GMI employees will not employ child labor, consistent with the principals relevant to US, Canadian and international laws. Specifically, the Company prohibits the hiring of individuals under the age of seventeen (17) or the local legal minimum working age or the compulsory schooling age, whichever is higher.
Freedom of Association
We respect employees’ right to join, form or not to join a labor union without fear of reprisal, intimidation or harassment. Where employees are represented by a legally recognized union, we are committed to establishing a constructive dialogue with their freely chosen representatives. The Company is committed to bargaining in good faith with such representatives.
Our experience has shown open communication and a forum which allows employees to bring concerns, suggestions and ideas forward produces improved methods, safety, products, operations and efficiencies which will promote continued growth and prosperity for all stakeholders, especially employees.
Workplace Safety
Globally, we are committed to providing workplaces that are among the safest production facilities in the world for all our employees. Our policy is to provide a safe and healthy workplace and comply with applicable safety and health laws and regulations as well as internal requirements. We work to provide and maintain a safe, healthy and productive workplace, in consultation with our employees, by addressing and remediating identified risks of accidents, injury and health impacts.
Workplace Security
Grain Millers prohibits violence, harassment, intimidation and other unsafe or disruptive conditions due to internal or external threats.
Working Hours, Wages, and Benefits
The Company compensates employees competitively relative to the industry and local labor markets and in accordance with terms of applicable collective bargaining agreements. We work to ensure full compliance with applicable wage, work hours, overtime and benefit laws.
Guidance and Reporting for Employees
We strive to create workplaces in which open and honest communication among all employees is valued and respected. The Company is committed to complying with applicable labor and employment laws wherever we operate. In addition, we work to achieve full employee engagement as the foundation of our mutual success; strive to create a culture that champions respect and inclusion; offer competitive wages and benefits; and implement clear health and safety practices.
Any employee who believes a conflict exists or has come to exist between the language of this policy and the laws, customs and practices of the place where he or she works, or who has questions about this policy or would like to confidentially report a potential violation of this policy should raise those questions and concerns with his or her direct manager, local management, Human Resources or corporate management or through anonymous reporting features in Galileo.
