Human Rights & Ethical Trade Initiative Code
Mt Alma Farms Pty Ltd T/A Mt Alma Organics is committed to providing a safe, flexible and respectful environment for staff and clients, free from all forms of discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment.
By effectively implementing our Human Rights & Ethical Trade Initiative Policy we will attract and retain talented staff and create a positive work environment. This policy applies to
- All staff including managers, supervisors, full-time, part-time, casual, temporary, permanent and seasonal
- All aspects of employment, recruitment, conditions, benefits, training, promotion, task allocation, hours, leave arrangements, workload, equipment and transport
- Staff treatment of others encountered in the course of the Mt Alma Organic duties
All staff are entitled to:
- Work free from discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment
- The right to raise issues or complaints confidentially without being victimised
- Reasonable flexibility in working arrangements, especially where needed to accommodate their family responsibilities, disability, religious beliefs or culture
All staff must:
- Follow the standards of behaviour outlined in this policy
- Avoid gossip and respect the confidentiality of complaint resolution procedures
- Treat everyone with dignity, courtesy and respect
Managers and supervisors must:
- Model appropriate standards of behaviour
- Educate and make staff aware of their obligations under this policy and the law
- Act fairly to resolve issues and enforce workplace behavioural standards
- Help staff resolve complaints informally
- Seriously consider requests for flexible work arrangement
- Ensure staff that make a complaint or raise and issue are not victimised
- Ensure that recruitment decisions are based on merit and no discriminatory requests for more information are made
Ethical Trading Initiative Code
- Employment is freely chosen
At Mt Alma Organics there is no forced, bonded or involuntary labour. Employees are free to leave their employment with Mt Alma Organics provided they give reasonable notice. Employees are given a written contract of employment with clear and concise information regarding wages and working hours. Any deductions from wages are lawful and only made upon written consent of the affected employee. Workers are not required to lodge deposits or their identity papers with Mt Alma Organics.
- Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
All employees at Mt Alma Organics are given a right to freedom of speech provided that they do so in a non-harmful manner. Workers have the right to join or form trade unions of their own choosing and to bargain collectively. We respect the rights of employees to lawfully and peacefully form or join an organisation that protects their rights. All employees are able to communicate freely with management (anonymously through the grievance box if they so choose) to discuss any issues they may have concerning their welfare and employment conditions. Employees are not discriminated against for their membership in trade unions, or representative functions.
- Working Conditions are safe and hygienic
Mt Alma Organics provides a safe and healthy working environment, with hazards minimised and adequate steps taken to prevent accidents and injury occurring in the course of work. Workplace Health and Safety policies and procedures are reviewed at least yearly by Gary Spotswood, Mt Alma Organics Health and Safety Manager. Employees are given access to clean toilet facilities, handwashing facilities, water and kitchen and food storage amenities. All employees are required to undergo induction training upon starting employment, which include health and safety best practices. When changes are made to procedures employees are informed on the updates.
- Child labour shall not be used
In most cases Mt Alma Organics do not employ school aged children as defined in its Child Labour Hire Policy (MAOPOL-023). If Mt Alma Organics were, for some reason, to employ a school aged child the company would adhere to the policy put in place and consistently review changes made by the State or Federal government regarding child labour hire.
- Living wages are paid
Mt Alma Organics will ensure that employees receive a wage that is enough to meet basic needs and to provide some discretionary income. Generally, workers are paid according to an award that is higher than the national minimum wage. All employees are provided with employment conditions regarding their wages (Fair Work casual employment information statement or similar) upon commencing their employment at Mt Alma Organics. If deductions are to be made from wages, employees must be advised and agree to sign a deductions consent form with the details of the wage deduction.
- Working hours are not excessive
Working hours for employees at Mt Alma Organics comply with national laws and awards. All overtime is voluntary and will be compensated at an increased rate as specified in the appropriate award. Employees have access to rest periods and time off. Workers do not work in excess of 48 hours per week and have at least one day off for every 7 day period on average. Permanent employees are also entitled to sick and annual leave.
- No discrimination is practiced
Mt Alma Organics strictly abides by a no discrimination policy. There will be no discrimination in hiring, compensation, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, social or ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, maternity, union or political affiliation. Please refer to Mt Alma Organics Bullying & Discrimination policy for further details.
- Regular Employment is provided
To every extent possible work performed is on the basis of recognised employment relationship established through national law and practice.
- No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
Mt Alma Organics employees are never exposed to abuse, harassment, discrimination or intimidation by both fellow employees and management staff.
Merit at Mt Alma Organics
All recruitment and job selection decisions at Mt Alma Organics will be based on merit – the skills and abilities of the candidate as measured against the inherent requirements of the position – regardless of personal characteristics.
It is unacceptable and may be against the law to ask job candidates questions, or to in any other way seek information, about their personal characteristics, unless this can be shown to be directly relevant to a genuine requirement of the position.
Resolving issues at Mt Alma Organics
Mt Alma Organics strongly encourages any staff member who believes they have been discriminated against, bullied, sexually harassed or victimised to take appropriate action by contacting their supervisor or HR manager (Angela Spotswood) directly or making an anonymous report or complaint in the supplied confidential grievance box.
Staff who do not feel safe or confident to take such action may seek assistance from the local police department or the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice and support.
More Information
If you have a query about this policy or need more information please contact us.
