Fashion retail is a very part of the fashion business seeing as the main objective of whoever works in the business is to make sure that the company gains the respect they need to get far in the business. The industry pays more attention to the end result which is what is in the retail stores; however they have people working endless hours just to get their stock to them. Companies have to go by something called the ETI base code (Ethical Trading Initiative). The ETI Base Code enables companies to treat employees properly. There are nine points in the ETI Base Code that retailers are required to follow. The first code that needs to be followed is Employment is freely chosen, this means that no worker should be forced into working. Workers are free to leave their employer after reasonable notice without any restriction. The second code is Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining is respected, this means that no one is discriminated against enabling them to be able to work in their representative functions in the workplace. The employer has to adopt a open mind towards the movement of the trade unions and their activities. The third code is Working conditions are safe and hygienic, a safe and hygienic working environment will be provided. In the industry there are many hazards that can happen so there would need to be adequate steps taken to prevent all types of accidents. There are certain hygiene levels that need to be checked on, such as safety and health training that is done to every new assigned worker. Many facilities would have a member of the senior management team to observe all the things like clean toilet facilities, portable water and if given accommodation it should be safe and clean to meet the basic needs of a worker. The next point is Child labour shall not be used. Children should not be recruited to work as a child labourer, if the company want to recruit children to work they would need to contribute to a programme that enables them to stay in very good quality education. The age that children can really start working in 18 however if a company is going to employ a child under 18 their hours should be in the day time and not in hazardous conditions. The fifth point in the ETI Base Code is Living wages are paid, this means that all workers should be provided with a understandable written contract that will tell them how they get paid and what they get paid before they enter into the process of employment. The sixth code is Working hours are not excessive, working hours must comply with the national laws. The seventh point is No discrimination is practised, there is not discrimination is hiring, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, national origin, religion, age, disaablities, gender, marital status, union membership and political affiliation. The eighth point is Regular employment is provided, this means that all the work that is performed must be on the basis of recognized employment relationship through national law and practice. The final code is No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed, physical abuse, discipline or sexual and any other harassment should be prohibited.
ETI Base Code & Rana Plaza