Child labor policy

Child Labour Policy – OPENAX OPENAX, including its group entities, affiliates, and subsidiaries, is committed to providing a respectful and equitable working environment grounded in fairness and dignity for all. As part of this commitment, OPENAX strongly opposes any form of child labour across its global operations and facilities. The company does not employ individuals… Continue reading Child labor policy

OPENAX, including its group entities, affiliates, and subsidiaries, is committed to providing a respectful and equitable working environment grounded in fairness and dignity for all. As part of this commitment, OPENAX strongly opposes any form of child labour across its global operations and facilities.

The company does not employ individuals who have not reached the minimum legal age to complete compulsory education, as established by relevant national authorities. In addition, OPENAX complies fully with all applicable laws regarding working conditions, remuneration, hours, and overtime for young workers, where legally permissible.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), child labour includes any of the following:

• Employment of children under the age of 12
• Employment of children under 15 that interferes with school attendance
• Any work undertaken by individuals under 18 that poses risks to their physical or mental well-being

Responsibility for enforcing this policy lies with the Human Resources and Security departments, who are instructed to prevent underage individuals from being employed. Employment records, including proof of age, are securely documented and remain accessible for review by authorized inspectors or legal authorities.

OPENAX requires its suppliers and external partners to uphold the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and comply with all applicable international and domestic child labour laws. Suppliers must implement appropriate safeguards to prevent the use of child labour within their facilities and subcontractors’ operations.

OPENAX promotes awareness of the causes and consequences of child labour at all of its sites. Employees are regularly informed about the company’s zero-tolerance stance. For suppliers—particularly those operating in remote or high-risk regions—OPENAX provides clear guidance through its Supplier Code of Conduct, which forms a binding part of contractual agreements.

All staff are encouraged to report suspected breaches of this policy. Reporting is considered a moral obligation, and no employee will face retaliation for doing so in good faith.

It is the duty of local managers and HR teams to ensure adherence to this policy across all OPENAX operations. Additionally, OPENAX reserves the right to perform unannounced inspections at any site involved in the production of goods for the company, including those of subcontractors.

We also retain the option to appoint independent third-party auditors, at our discretion, to evaluate compliance with our child labour policy and identify areas for improvement.

Any breach of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary or contractual action, including dismissal or termination of partnership. OPENAX commits to acting swiftly and decisively to address any identified violations related to child labour.

Our grievance mechanism forms an integral part of OPENAX’s human rights strategy. It allows stakeholders—whether employees, suppliers, or intermediaries—to report concerns in a confidential, secure, and accessible way.

Reports can be submitted in any language via email at [email protected]. Complaints are handled independently, with impartiality, and without external influence. Confidentiality is respected throughout the investigation process to protect whistleblowers and uphold integrity.

OPENAX
Last reviewed: December 2024