On April 1, 2014, the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) has issued a revised edition of its Base Code. The Working Hours Clause – though the fundamental principles remain the same – has been rewritten, so that there’s greater precision and clarity on a number of provisions and definitions. ETI developed a number of tools to help companies implement the changes, among which an online interactive learning tool.
On April 1, 2014, the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) has issued a revised edition of its Base Code. The Working Hours Clause – though the fundamental principles remain the same – has been rewritten, so that there’s greater precision and clarity on a number of provisions and definitions. Furthermore, a fixed limit of 60 working hours per week has been added. ETI developed a number of tools to help companies implement the changes, among which an online interactive learning tool.
The complete overview of the changes includes:
- Greater precision and clarity on a number of provisions and definitions
- A fixed limit of 60 working hours per week, unless there are exceptional circumstances (which do not include predictable seasonal variations)
- A clear recommendation for an overtime premium of at least 125%
- A clear statement that overtime must be used responsibly
- Clarification that workers should have at least one day off in every seven, which may be two days off in 14 if national law allows for it
By December 2014, audits will be conducted to this new standard.
The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is a leading alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promotes respect for workers' rights around the globe.
Read the full revised working hours clause: http://www.ethicaltrade.org/eti-base-code/working-hours
