Code of Conduct

Purpose

Silk Screen Shirts, Inc., is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and in compliance with all applicable labor, environmental, and workplace laws. This Code of Conduct establishes the minimum standards expected of all employees, contractors, suppliers, subcontractors, and production partners involved in the manufacturing of silk screen apparel and related products.

Our standards are guided by internationally recognized labor principles, including those promoted by the Fair Labor Association (FLA), International Labor Organization (ILO), and applicable national laws.

1. Employment Relationship

All employment relationships shall comply with applicable laws and regulations governing labor, wages, benefits, and working conditions.

  • Workers shall receive written terms of employment in a language they understand.

  • Employment practices shall be transparent and documented.

  • Employers shall maintain accurate payroll and employment records.

2. Non-Discrimination

The company shall provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals.

Discrimination in hiring, compensation, training, promotion, termination, or retirement based on race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, nationality, political opinion, marital status, or social origin is prohibited.

3. Harassment and Abuse

Every worker shall be treated with dignity and respect.

The following are strictly prohibited:

  • Physical abuse

  • Sexual harassment

  • Verbal abuse

  • Mental coercion

  • Threats or intimidation

  • Bullying or retaliation

Disciplinary practices shall be fair, documented, and lawful.

4. Forced Labor

The company prohibits all forms of forced, bonded, prison, trafficked, or involuntary labor.

  • Workers shall not be required to surrender identification documents or pay recruitment fees.

  • Employment shall be voluntary.

  • Workers shall be free to terminate employment with reasonable notice according to local law.

5. Child Labor

The company prohibits the use of child labor.

  • No person shall be employed under the legal minimum working age established by local law or international standards, whichever is higher.

  • Young workers shall not perform hazardous work or work that interferes with their education or well-being.

6. Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining

Workers shall have the right to:

  • Form and join trade unions

  • Bargain collectively

  • Participate in worker organizations without fear of retaliation

Where local law restricts freedom of association, employers shall allow alternative lawful means of worker representation.

7. Wages and Benefits

Workers shall be compensated fairly and legally.

  • Wages shall meet or exceed legal minimum wage requirements and applicable industry standards.

  • Overtime compensation shall comply with legal requirements.

  • Workers shall receive all legally mandated benefits.

  • Wage deductions shall be lawful, transparent, and documented.

8. Hours of Work

Working hours shall comply with applicable laws and industry standards.

  • Regular workweeks shall not exceed legal limits.

  • Overtime shall be voluntary whenever possible.

  • Workers shall receive at least one day off in every seven-day period.

  • Breaks and meal periods shall be provided according to law.

9. Health and Safety

The company is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

This includes:

  • Clean and sanitary facilities

  • Safe machinery and equipment

  • Proper ventilation for inks, solvents, and chemicals used in silk screening

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Emergency exits and fire safety systems

  • Safety training for all employees

  • Access to potable drinking water and restrooms

Hazardous chemicals shall be labeled, stored, and handled according to applicable regulations.

10. Environmental Responsibility

The company shall strive to minimize environmental impact through responsible manufacturing practices.

This includes:

  • Proper disposal of inks, chemicals, and wastewater

  • Reduction of waste and emissions

  • Compliance with environmental regulations

  • Encouragement of sustainable sourcing and production methods

11. Ethical Business Practices

The company shall conduct business with integrity.

The following are prohibited:

  • Bribery

  • Corruption

  • Fraud

  • Falsification of records

  • Unethical business practices

Conflicts of interest must be disclosed and managed appropriately.

12. Monitoring and Compliance

Suppliers, contractors, and production facilities may be subject to announced or unannounced assessments to verify compliance with this Code.

Business partners are expected to:

  • Maintain accurate records

  • Cooperate with audits and inspections

  • Implement corrective actions when necessary

Failure to comply may result in termination of the business relationship.

13. Worker Grievance Mechanism

Workers shall have access to confidential grievance procedures without fear of retaliation.

Complaints may relate to:

  • Working conditions

  • Safety concerns

  • Harassment or discrimination

  • Wage disputes

  • Violations of this Code

All complaints shall be investigated promptly and fairly.

14. Commitment

Silk Screen Shirts, Inc., is committed to continuous improvement in labor standards, workplace safety, environmental stewardship, and ethical business conduct throughout our silk screen apparel operations and supply chain.

All employees, managers, suppliers, contractors, and partners are expected to uphold and comply with this Code of Conduct.