AHE has ensured its operations meet all of the FSC® core labour requirements. These include:
- The prohibition on the use of child labour, except in identified circumstances:
- We know and understand the statutory legal minimum ages of employing children in each State of our operation, and the school leaving age and any other conditions that apply;
- Those under 18 only conduct hazardous or heavy work within the context of an approved apprenticeship or traineeship; and
- We ensure that at all times any person employed between the ages of 15 and 18 are paid according to the relevant modern award/EBA and that such employment is not harmful to their health or development.
- The prohibition on all forms of forced labour:
- We do not restrict workers, withhold funds for payment of obligations (unless required by law – eg Child Support payments), withhold passports or identification documents from them;
- All employees are recruited into roles and paid minimum rates as prescribed by the relevant modern award/EBA;
- All employees are verified to have the right to live and work in Australia under the relevant visa, residency or citizenship requirements.
- Ensuring our workplace is free from all forms of discrimination:
- We strive to have a diverse workforce in terms of age, ethnicity, gender and other characteristics;
- When recruiting for roles, we select the best candidate for the role without discrimination;
- We ensure all employees are presented with equal opportunity to apply for other internal roles, promotion, salary increase and advancement;
- We maintain a strict anti-discrimination policy in compliance with Australian Law.
- Allowing our workers the right to Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining.
- We comply with the provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 in relation to Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining and the other general protections afforded in Australia;
- Employees are the right to join or refuse to join a worker organization, without sanction or undue influence;
- Employees have the right to be represented by a registered industrial organization in accordance with the Act;
- Employees have the right to bargain collectively and participate in industrial activity in accordance with the Act.
In all circumstances, we have implemented whichever is the highest requirement – whether it be Australian Law or the FSC® Standard into our operation. To ensure compliance, we have completed a self-assessment and keep records to demonstrate compliance. The implementation of our commitment is then independently audited by our Certification Body annually.
To read our “Self Declaration Committing to FSC® Values” document, click HERE