Corning’s Supplier Code of Conduct embraces the key principles of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) eight fundamental conventions, which cover subjects that are considered by the ILO as fundamental principles and rights at work. These conventions are:
1. Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87)
2. Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98)
3. Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29)
4. Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105)
5. Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)
6. Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182)
7. Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100)
8. Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111)
In accordance with the ILO fundamental conventions, and as set forth more fully below, Suppliers shall commit to uphold human rights of workers and treat workers with dignity and respect. This commitment applies to all workers including temporary, migrant, student, contract, direct employees or any other worker.
Corning is aware the use of recruitment and labor agencies increases the risk of forced labor.
All labor agents acting on behalf of Corning and its suppliers must have a clear policy that adheres to this Code. Labor agents acting on behalf of Corning must conduct due diligence with employment and recruitment agencies and sub-agents in relevant countries of operation to ensure compliance to Corning’s Supplier Code of Conduct.
1. Freely Chosen Employment
Suppliers shall not use forced, bonded (including debt bondage) or indentured labor or involuntary prison labor or exploitative prison labor, slavery or trafficking of persons. All work will be voluntary, and workers should be free to leave work or terminate employment upon reasonable notice. Prohibited actions include transporting, harboring, recruiting, transferring or receiving persons by means of threat, force, coercion, abduction or fraud for labor or services. As part of the hiring process, Suppliers should provide workers with a written employment agreement in their native language that contains a description of terms and conditions of employment prior to the worker departing from his or her country of origin and there shall be no substitution or changes allowed in the employment agreement upon arrival in the receiving country unless these changes are made to meet local law and provide equal or better terms. All work must be voluntary, and workers shall be free to leave work at any time or terminate their employment. Employers and agents may not hold or otherwise destroy, conceal, confiscate or deny access by employees to their identity or immigration documents, such as government-issued identification, passports or work permits, unless such holdings are required by law. Workers should not be required to pay employers’ or agents’ recruitment fees or other related fees for employment. If such fees are found, then these fees should be repaid to the worker.
2. Young Workers
Suppliers shall not use child labor. “Child” in this section means any person under the age of 15, or under the age for completing compulsory education, or under the minimum age for employment in the country, whichever is greatest. The use of legitimate workplace learning programs, which comply with all laws and regulations, is supported. Suppliers shall verify age of young workers to ensure age is above that of minimum employment. Workers under the age of 18 shall not perform work that is likely to jeopardize their health and safety, including night shifts and overtime. Supplier shall ensure proper management of student workers through proper maintenance of student records, rigorous due diligence of educational partners, and protection of students’ rights in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Supplier shall provide appropriate support and training to all student workers. In the absence of local law, the wage rate for student workers, interns and apprentices shall be at least the same age rate as other entry-level workers performing equal or similar tasks.
3. Working Hours
A work week must not exceed 60 hours per week, including overtime, except in emergency or unusual situations. Emergency or Unusual Situations: Situations that are unpredictable events that require overtime in excess of expectations. Such events cannot be planned or foreseen. In no event shall hours per work week exceed the maximum set by applicable law. Working hours shall include the minimum breaks and rest periods set by law. Workers shall be allowed at least one day off every seven days.
4. Working and Living Conditions
Working, and living (if applicable), conditions must meet, at a minimum, standards set by local law. Workers must not face any undue health or safety risks from working or living conditions. The foregoing requirements shall be applicable to any lodging provided to workers as part of or in connection with their employment.
5. Humane Treatment
Suppliers shall not subject or threaten workers to any inhumane treatment, including any sexual harassment, sexual abuse, corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion or verbal abuse of workers; nor is there to be the threat of any such treatment. Supplier shall clearly define and communicate disciplinary policies and procedures in support of these requirements to its workers.
6. Wages and Benefits
Compensation paid to workers shall comply with all applicable wage laws and regulations, including those relating to minimum wages, overtime hours and legally mandated benefits. In compliance with local laws, workers shall be compensated for overtime at pay rates greater than regular hourly rates. Deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure shall not be permitted. For each pay period, workers shall be provided with a timely and understandable wage statement that includes sufficient information to verify accurate compensation for work performed. All use of temporary, dispatch and outsourced labor will be within the limits of the local law. Supplier shall ensure that all workers are paid equally for work of equal value, without regard to their sex. Supplier shall not make deductions from wages as a disciplinary measure. Workers shall be informed of all deductions from their pay.
7. Non-Discrimination
Supplier shall be committed to a workforce free of harassment and unlawful discrimination. Supplier shall not engage in or permit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, political affiliation, union membership, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or marital status in its workforce, including but not limited to in hiring and employment practices such as promotions, rewards, and access to training. Supplier shall ensure equal opportunities throughout all levels of employment and shall establish measures to eliminate health and safety concerns that are especially prevalent among women workers (for example, physical security and sexual harassment). There shall be no discrimination or retaliation against workers, including migrant workers, who raise grievances in good faith. Workers shall be provided with reasonable accommodation for religious practices. In addition, workers or potential workers should not be subjected to medical tests or physical exams that could be used in a discriminatory way.
Further, Corning does not tolerate offensive, harassing or discriminatory logos, icons, or symbols (including the Confederate Flag) and bans such items from public display in all Corning workspaces and parking lots. “Public display” includes, but is not limited to, clothing, mugs, posters, flags, towels, tattoos, toolboxes, bumper stickers, hats, facial masks, and vanity license plates. Anyone who violates this policy will be instructed to cover or remove the article or item from Corning’s premises immediately.
8. Freedom of Association
Suppliers shall respect the right of all workers to form and join trade unions, or not to form or join, of their own choosing, to bargain collectively and to engage in peaceful assembly as well as respect the right of workers to refrain from such activities. Workers and/or their representative shall be able to openly communicate and share ideas and concerns with management regarding working conditions and management practices without fear of discrimination, reprisal, intimidation or harassment.