Our Code of Conduct for Manufacturers sets forth requirements for manufacturers of our products with respect to labor standards and working conditions. The principles embodied in our Code are designed to be consistent with core conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the specialized agency of the United Nations focused on global labor standards, as well as codes set forth by key labor standards organizations.

Oboz Code of Conduct For Manufacturers

At Oboz Footwear, we are committed to: 

  • a standard of excellence in every aspect of our business and in every corner of the world;
  • ethical and responsible conduct in all of our operations;
  • respect for the rights of all individuals; and
  • respect for the environment.

We expect these same commitments to be shared by all manufacturers of Oboz Footwear merchandise. At a minimum, we require that all manufacturers of Oboz Footwear merchandise meet the following standards:

Child Labor

Manufacturers will not use child labor. 

The term “child” refers to a person younger than 15 (or 14 where local law allows) or, if higher, the local legal minimum age for employment or the age for completing compulsory education. 

Manufacturers employing young persons who do not fall within the definition of “children” will also comply with any laws and regulations applicable to such persons. 

Involuntary Labor

Manufacturers will not use any forced or involuntary labor, whether prison, bonded, indentured or otherwise. 

Coercion and Harassment

Manufacturers will treat each employee with dignity and respect, and will not use corporal punishment, threats of violence or other forms of physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse

Nondiscrimination

Manufacturers will not discriminate in hiring and employment practices, including salary, benefits, advancement, discipline, termination or retirement, on the basis of race, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender, political opinion or disability. 

Association

Manufacturers will respect the rights of employees to associate, organize and bargain collectively in a lawful and peaceful manner, without penalty or interference. 

Health and Safety

Manufacturers will provide employees with a safe and healthy workplace in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, ensuring at a minimum reasonable access to potable water and sanitary facilities; fire safety; and adequate lighting and ventilation. Manufacturers will also ensure that the same standards of health and safety are applied in any housing that they provide for employees. 

Compensation

We expect manufacturers to recognize that wages are essential to meeting employees’ basic needs. Manufacturers will, at a minimum, comply with all applicable wage and hour laws and regulations, including those relating to minimum wages, overtime, maximum hours, piece rates and other elements of compensation, and provide legally mandated benefits. Except in extraordinary business circumstances, manufacturers will not require employees to work more than the lesser of (a) 48 hours per week and 12 hours overtime or (b) the limits on regular and overtime hours allowed by local law or, where local law does not limit the hours of work, the regular work week plus 12 hours overtime. In addition, except in extraordinary business circumstances, employees will be entitled to at least one day off in every seven-day period. 

Manufacturers will compensate employees for overtime hours at such premium rate as is legally required or, if there is no legally prescribed premium rate, at a rate at least equal to the regular hourly compensation rate. 

Where local industry standards are higher than applicable legal requirements, we expect manufacturers to meet the higher standards. 


Protection of the Environment

Manufacturers will comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. For every pair of footwear we sell we will plant a tree helping to reforest the planet earth. 


Other Laws

Manufacturers will comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those pertaining to the manufacture, pricing, sale and distribution of merchandise. All references to “applicable laws and regulations” in this Code of Conduct include local and national codes, rules and regulations as well as applicable treaties and voluntary industry standards. 


Subcontracting

Manufacturers will not use subcontractors for the manufacture of Oboz Footwear merchandise or components thereof without Oboz Footwear’s express written consent, and only after the subcontractor has entered into a written commitment with Oboz Footwear to comply with this Code of Conduct. 


Monitoring and Compliance

Manufacturers will authorize Oboz Footwear and its designated agents (including third parties) to engage in monitoring activities to confirm compliance with this Code of Conduct, including unannounced on-site inspections of manufacturing facilities and employer-provided housing; reviews of books and records relating to employment matters; and private interviews with employees. Manufacturers will maintain on site all documentation that may be needed to demonstrate compliance with this Code of Conduct. 


Publication

Manufacturers will take appropriate steps to ensure that the provisions of this Code of Conduct are communicated to employees, including the prominent posting of a copy of this Code of Conduct, in the local language and in a place readily accessible to employees, at all times.