The mission of Altera Azteca Milling Ukraine LLC
is to compete for the top position among producers of corn products used in the food industry in Ukraine, the CIS and Europe. We want to win the trust of our customers by offering them the highest quality products. Our mission is to be open and honest, compliant with the current legislation and rational standards of labor organization and business conduct.
Altera Azteca Milling Ukraine LLC wants to achieve its goals without speculating on quality, food safety, product storage conditions, human rights, working conditions and environmental impact. This position should be reflected in the company’s relations with its employees, suppliers, customers and environmental impact.
This Code of Ethics (COE) confirms Altera’s commitment to international standards such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labor Organization (ILO) Core Conventions, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the 10 Principles of the UN Global Compact. This EC sets out the minimum requirements that Altera will respect and comply with within its own operations and within its supply chain.
1. COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Altera, its officers, employees and agents will comply with all governmental laws and regulations, minimum industry standards and any other relevant regulatory requirements of the country in which they operate. If any of the requirements in this EC conflict with governmental laws, the latter shall prevail.
2. FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT
All employees are entitled to an employment contract in writing in the national language. Altera does NOT use any form of forced labor. Employees have the right to leave the premises after standard working hours and to take a day off, if necessary, by notifying the employer in advance.
3. FREEDOM OF TRADE UNIONS AND THE RIGHT TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
All employees have the right to form, join and organize trade unions of their choice and to conduct collective bargaining on their behalf with the employer. The interests of employees must be respected and fulfilled without threats or harassment. In countries where freedom of association is restricted or under development, Altera should ensure that a freely elected employee representative can meet with management to discuss wages and workplace organization without negative consequences.
4. FAIR AND EQUAL TREATMENT
All employees should be treated with respect and dignity based on their individual abilities and qualifications. Any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, caste, national origin, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, marital status shall not be tolerated. Employees shall not be subjected to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or inhuman treatment.
5. FAIR REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
All employees shall receive timely remuneration not less than the minimum subsistence level established by the state. All employees shall also receive benefits as prescribed by law, including holidays and vacations, as well as severance payments. No deduction of wages or benefits as a disciplinary measure shall be permitted. Agreements regarding remuneration and benefits should be clear to the employee.
6. DECENT WORKING HOURS
Working hours should not exceed the legal limit. Overtime work should be voluntary and always be compensated by a premium rate as defined by national law. In countries where working hours are not limited by national law, adequate rest periods for the sector are negotiated between the employer and employees.
7. SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Altera shall provide its employees with a safe working environment, where hygienic standards and healthy working conditions are maintained. At a minimum, drinking water, adequate lighting, temperature, ventilation, sanitation, personal protective equipment, and comfortable and secure workstations must be provided. Altera will establish and follow clear health and safety procedures and take effective measures to prevent possible accidents and injuries. If Altera provides housing, it must be clean and safe and meet the basic needs of employees. The accommodation must be clearly separated from the workplace so that employees can enter and leave freely at any time.
8. NO CHILD LABOR
Altera does not use child labor in its production. No child under the age of 15 is allowed to work, except under conditions permitted by national or international law. If Altera employs young workers, it must be confirmed that there is no excessive physical strain and no risks that could harm the physical, mental or emotional development of the employee.
9. NATURAL RIGHTS
Altera shall take into account the natural rights of its employees in its activities.
10. INADMISSIBILITY OF CORRUPTION AND BRIBERY
Altera shall ensure the prevention of all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery. Altera and its managers, employees and officers shall not offer, directly or through intermediaries, improper advantages to obtain or retain business or other benefits from a third party. Altera’s managers, employees and officers shall not accept gifts from anyone who has business relations with Altera, either directly or through third parties, unless the gift is of great value.
11. CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Altera shall ensure compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. In addition, Altera’s personnel must be aware of the environmental impacts of the company’s activities and constantly strive to reduce the impact and improve environmental performance in a systematic manner. Improvements should include reductions in energy and water use, emissions and waste, and the reduction and/or replacement of hazardous chemicals.
12. ANIMAL WELFARE
Altera shall implement procedures to prevent the cruelty to animals, including when they are kept, transported and handled, where the company’s operations are involved.
13. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Altera is expected to implement the principles described in this EC in its own business or to have at least equivalent standards and use them in the conduct of its business. The Supplier shall ensure that information, such as the name and location of sub-suppliers they use, is made available upon request by Altera.
14. GROUP CODE OF ETHICS
Altera’s managers, workers and employees shall follow the guidelines set forth in the Group Code of Ethics in all business and professional activities. Misconduct or cases of unethical behavior can be reported through the feedback form at www.ethicspoint.com or through anonymous complaints that can be left in special boxes located in the canteens.