1. Introduction
AirGradient is committed to ethical business practices and fair treatment of all individuals involved in producing and distributing our air quality monitors. As a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), we recognize our responsibility to uphold fair labor standards within our operations and throughout our supply chain, to the best of our ability. This policy outlines our commitment and the steps we will take to promote fair labor practices.
2. Policy Statement
AirGradient believes in treating all workers fairly and with respect. We are committed to upholding the core labor standards as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO) within our own operations and to working with suppliers who share these values.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all AirGradient employees and our direct suppliers of goods and services. We will also encourage our distributors and other business partners to adopt similar principles.
4. Core Principles
AirGradient commits to the following core principles, and we expect our direct suppliers to uphold them as well:
- 4.1. No Forced or Child Labor: We prohibit any form of forced, bonded, or child labor.
- 4.2. Non-Discrimination: We do not tolerate discrimination in any aspect of employment.
- 4.3. Fair Wages and Working Hours: We commit to paying wages that meet or exceed legal minimums and to complying with laws regarding working hours.
- 4.4. Safe and Healthy Workplace: We strive to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all.
- 4.5. Freedom of Association: We will work to ensure that workers are free to join or not join a worker association of their choice.
5. Implementation and Monitoring (in progress)
Given our size and resources, AirGradient will focus on the following practical steps, starting in 2025:
- 5.1. Supplier Communication: We will clearly communicate our Fair Labor Practices Policy to our direct suppliers and include a commitment to our code of principles in our supplier contracts.
- 5.2. Supplier Self-Declaration: We will ask our key suppliers (defined as those contributing more than 20% to the direct cost of our products) to sign a self-declaration confirming their commitment to the core principles outlined in this policy.
- 5.3. Focused Risk Assessment: We will prioritize our efforts based on an informal assessment of potential risks, considering factors like the location of our suppliers and the nature of the work performed. This assessment will be primarily focused on our key suppliers.
- 5.4. Site Visits (where feasible): When possible and practical, we will conduct site visits to key suppliers to observe working conditions and engage in open dialogue.
- 5.5. Open Communication: We will maintain open communication with our suppliers and encourage them to raise any concerns about labor practices.
- 5.6. Internal Training: We will ensure that our procurement staff are aware of this policy and understand its importance.
6. Grievance Mechanism
AirGradient has established an email address, fairlabor@airgradient.com, where employees, suppliers, or other stakeholders can raise concerns about labor practices. We commit to reviewing all concerns raised and taking appropriate action where necessary.
7. Continuous Improvement
As AirGradient grows, we will strive to enhance our fair labor practices and monitoring efforts. We will review this policy annually and make adjustments as needed based on our experience, resources, and feedback from stakeholders. We will also seek opportunities to learn from other SMEs and organizations about best practices in ethical sourcing.
8. Transparency
While we may not be able to publish formal reports at this stage, we will be transparent with our customers and partners about our commitment to fair labor practices and the steps we are taking to uphold these principles. We will communicate this policy on our website.
9. Conclusion
AirGradient’s Fair Labor Practices Policy reflects our commitment to ethical business conduct as an SME. We understand that this is a journey, and we are dedicated to making continuous progress towards ensuring fair and respectful treatment of all workers within our sphere of influence. We believe that even small actions can make a positive impact, and we are committed to doing our part to promote a more just and sustainable supply chain.
November 2024