Code of Labour Practice for
PRODUCTION OF GOODS LICENSED
by the


SYDNEY ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES

and the

SYDNEY PARALYMPIC ORGANISING COMMITTEE

Agreed between the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (SOCOG), the Sydney Paralympic Organising Committee (SPOC), the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and the Labor Council of New South Wales. Having concurred an the necessity for effective monitoring to ensure that the Code is respected at all levels, the above organisations are continuing discussions on practical measures to achieve these objectives.


PREAMBLE

In accordance with the goal of the Olympic Movement to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practised without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play, SOCOG/SPOC recognises its responsibilities to consumers for the quality of products under its licensing arrangements, and workers involved in the making of SOCOG/SPOC licensed products and the conditions under which these products are made.

Each licensee awarded the right to use the SOCOG/SPOC name or logo in the manufacture and/or supply of licensed product to SOCOG/SPOC have been audited to ensure that they have appropriate standards of operation and have, as a condition of license agreement, confirmed in writing that employee conditions meet the relevant industrial regulations.

Licensees further agree to ensure that these conditions and standards are observed by each contractor and subcontractor in the production and distribution of SOCOG/SPOC licensed products. Licensees should, prior to placing orders with suppliers or engaging contractors and subcontractors, assess whether the provisions of this Code can be met.

Each SOCOG/SPOC licensee, and each contractor and subcontractor engaged by the Licensee, shall compulsorily implement and respect the following principles in the production and/or distribution of products bearing the SOCOG/SPOC name and/or SOCOG/SPOC authorised marks. Furthermore, each licensee shall warrant that these principles shall be equally imposed upon all those employed or delegated by such Licensee.


EMPLOYMENT IS FREELY CHOSEN

There shall be no use of forced or bonded labour (ILO Conventions 29 and 105).


THERE IS NO DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT

Equality of opportunity and treatment regardless of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, nationality, social origin or other distinguishing characteristics shall be provided (ILO Conventions 100 and 111).


CHILD LABOUR IS NOT USED

There shall be no exploitation of child labour. Workers shall only be employed in accordance with relevant State and Federal legislation, in line with appropriate ILO standards.


FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND THE RIGHT TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ARE RESPECTED

The right of workers to form and join trade unions and to bargain collectively shall be recognised and respected (ILO Conventions 87 and 98).


FAIR WAGES ARE PAID

Wages and benefits paid shall meet at least legal or industry minimum standards and should be sufficient to meet basic needs and provide some discretionary income.


HOURS OF WORK ARE NOT EXCESSIVE

Hours of work shall comply with applicable laws and industry standards.


WORKING CONDITIONS ARE DECENT

A safe and hygienic working environment shall be provided, and best occupational health and safety practice shall be promoted, bearing in mind the knowledge of the industry and of any specific hazards held by licensees, contractors and subcontractors.


THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP IS ESTABLISHED AND TRAINING PROVIDED

Employers should endeavour to provide regular and secure employment. Appropriate training should be available for all employees.


IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING

Licensees, their contractors and subcontractors shall undertake to support and cooperate in the implementation and monitoring of this Code by:
  • prior to engagement, the Licensee shall provide SOCOG/SPOC with written confirmation that the Licensee, as a minimum, adheres to relevant international labour force standards;
  • providing SOCOG/SPOC or its agent with relevant information concerning their operations;
  • permitting inspection at any time of their workplaces and operations by approved SOCOG/SPOC personnel;
  • maintaining records of the name, age, hours worked and wages paid for each worker and making these available to approved inspectors on request;
  • refraining from disciplinary action, dismissal or otherwise discriminating against any worker for providing information concerning observance of this Code.
Any licensee, contractor or subcontractor found to be in breach of one or more terms of this Code of Labour Practice shall be subject to a range of sanctions up to and including withdrawal of the right to produce or organise production of SOCOG licensed goods as per the contractual provisions. Furthermore, licensees who fail to ensure that their contractors or subcontractors abide by the Code of Labour Practice shall be subject to the same range of sanctions.

A joint Committee comprising Representatives of the ACTU; Labor Council of NSW; SOCOG staff and the SOCOG Board shall meet as required to review reported breaches of this code and make recommendations to the SOCOG Board for action as appropriate.


SOCOG 1997