CODE OF CONDUCT
Ethical behavior is a cornerstone of Plasmet’s culture and is expected of every employee in the company, regardless of position.
The Code of Conduct (Code of Ethics) was created to strengthen and promote the standards of conduct that build our credibility. The principles contained in the Code of Conduct support our employees in making responsible decisions in relations with customers, colleagues, company partners, institutions and the public.
The purpose of the Plasmet Code of Conduct is to shape and implement the organization’s values that the company considers particularly valuable and the basic principles that should guide its functioning. The Code should contribute to raising the ethical awareness and sensitivity of all Plasmet employees and help in everyday activities for the further development of the company.
1. General principles of the code of conduct
1) Plasmet undertakes to comply with the law and the principles of social coexistence and good manners;
2) Plasmet accurately and reliably conducts and registers financial activities, and as a general partnership it prepares financial statements in accordance with applicable regulations;
3) Plasmet is committed to ensuring that its activities comply with current export control and economic sanctions regulations;
4) Plasmet undertakes to fulfill its mission freely and fair competition;
5) Plasmet undertakes to comply with the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of: race, social status, ethnic origin, religion, handicap, disability, gender, sexual orientation, relationship or political affiliation, age or marital status;
6) Plasmet tries to fulfill its obligations towards all groups of people contributing to the functioning of the company: employees, associates, customers, suppliers and opinion-forming communities. Cooperation takes place in a friendly atmosphere, respecting the rule of law based on United Nations Conventions, European Union Directives, and in particular the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
2. Principles of conduct of senior management and employees
2.1. Basic duties of employees
Each employee acknowledges that his ethical attitude is an integral part of his life attitude and has a decisive influence on his professional and personal performance, both during employment with Plasmet and after leaving Plasmet.
Every Plasmet employee should:
1) contribute to the company’s mission by conscientiously performing their professional duties;
2) take care of the good name of the company and proudly represent it outside;
3) observe the timeliness and punctuality as well as generally accepted forms of courtesy in direct contacts and correspondence;
4) strive to improve their professional qualifications and level of knowledge;
5) take responsibility for your own words, bearing in mind that they oblige in the same way as a formally prepared document;
6) maintain ideological and political neutrality while performing official duties;
7) take care of the intellectual and material property of the company in any form: electronic, paper, etc .;
8) take care of own appearance and behavior towards internal and external customers, suppliers and other people;
9) adhere to the principle of fair play on a daily basis and create a good atmosphere in the workplace;
10) create the best possible working conditions: take care of the aesthetics and cleanliness of workplaces, regardless of the general cleaning works;
11) management should create a work environment in which everyone feels appreciated, and thus can develop personally and professionally for the good of the company;
12) the management board / directors / department managers / masters and foremen are responsible for the correct division of tasks in the team and support their employees in their activities.
2.2. Company proprietary information
Management and employees may not disclose any information owned by Plasmet without permission.
Employees, during the employment relationship and after its termination, are required to maintain confidentiality with regard to any information obtained in any way during the performance of professional activities for Plasmet.
Every manager or employee who has access to information is required to protect it against misuse, which may include private use or disclosure, for material gain or to sabotage the company’s best interests. The employee is obliged to keep the company’s strategic information confidential for at least 5 years after the termination of the employment relationship.
2.3. Documentation
All materials, regardless of their form, including financial and legal documents, made available to employees in connection with the performance of professional activities, are confidential.
Employees are obliged to maintain order in all documentation related to the performance of professional activities and to return all documents upon termination of cooperation with Plasmet.
2.4. Conflicts of Interest
Each management member or employee is personally responsible for avoiding situations that could lead to a conflict of interest, that is, where his personal interests conflict with the interests of the company. The most common situations where conflicts of interest arise are:
1) having undeclared connections, e.g. financial, with customers, suppliers and other entities cooperating with the company;
2) links with competitors, e.g. through partial employment or consultation;
3) covert involvement in the production of goods or services competitive to the company;
4) performance of work for third parties using the company’s devices, software and working time.
If an employee engages in a business, investment or activity that may be in actual or potential conflict with the interests of the company, employee must immediately submit a written statement of this fact and obtain management board approval.
2.5. Abuse of the company’s equipment, property and time
Misappropriation of company property in any form for personal use or resale is unacceptable.
Employees for non-business purposes may use machines and devices owned by the company during their work, only with the approval of the management board.
2.6. Approve and claim benefits
The management board, acting on behalf of Plasmet, prohibits all management and employees from endorsing and claiming benefits related to their duties. The term “benefit” is understood as a gift, money, credit, fee, award, position, employment, contract, favor or service provided by clients, associates, contractors, financial institutions, etc. A benefit voluntarily offered to an employee by an entity cooperating with Plasmet, may be approved only if:
1) the acceptance will not affect the consideration of the case
2) the acceptance does not oblige to reciprocity;
3) the employee accepting the benefits does not have to hide it;
4) an advertising, promotional or customary gift given during a festive occasion with a value of up to EUR 50 may result in non-acceptance of them being considered rude or unsocial;
5) applies to a one-time cost of a meal (including drinks) during a business meeting in the amount of up to EUR 50 per person.
In case of doubts or the above-mentioned quota limits are exceeded, the employee should immediately notify the management board.
3. Relationship with clients
3.1. High quality of produced parts
The Plasmet company produces the highest quality parts for its customers at a price appropriate to the quality, so that they are satisfied and want to continue and develop cooperation. Plasmet undertakes not to use counterfeit parts in the production. In the event of a conflict between the interests of the company, employee and client, the client’s welfare should always be a priority, without prejudice to Plasmet.
3.2. Reliable information
Plasmet is committed to informing its clients about its opportunities and development in a way that does not abuse their trust or exploit a lack of experience or knowledge.
3.3. Worldview neutrality
The management board and management of Plasmet is neutral in terms of worldview and does not discriminate against any nationality, religion or political orientation.
3.4. Consideration of complaints
Plasmet bears full responsibility for the produced parts that do not meet safety, high quality and reliability standards. Legitimate complaints will be handled quickly and professionally.
3.5. Improvement
Plasmet undertakes to constantly improve its processes and products by introducing new technologies in order to reduce production costs. This is also achieved by customer assessment, certification body audits and internal audits.
An important element of improvement is the constant improvement of employees’ qualifications, not only through the organization of various types of training, but also through mentoring, under which experienced employees share their knowledge and support new employees. The company also focuses on working in multidisciplinary teams.
4. Relationship with competitors
4.1. Fair and open competition
Plasmet is committed to fair and open competition. As unacceptable, it treats acts such as:
1) violating the company’s and other company’s trade secrets;
2) inducing to terminate contracts or not to perform work;
3) infringement of copyright;
4) preventing other entities from accessing the market;
5) use of unfair or prohibited advertising;
6) making the company’s documentation and materials available to third parties without the management board permission.
5. Responsible sourcing
In its supply chain, Plasmet is constantly striving for responsible sourcing of materials, products and services. The company applies reliable and ethical business practices, uses only legal sources of supply and does not obtain minerals from regions affected by armed conflict, so as not to support these conflicts and the accompanying violations of human rights.
Plasmet is aware that the selection of responsible suppliers is key to running a sustainable business. Plasmet expects its suppliers:
1) compliance with applicable law;
2) comply with the prohibition of corruption;
3) respect the principles of fair competition;
4) avoiding a conflict of interest;
5) comply with international trade and export control regulations;
6) guaranteeing the observance of human rights (including prohibition of employing children and protection of minors, work performed voluntarily – not under duress, prohibition of discrimination, respecting local law in the field of working hours and remuneration for overtime, respect for workers’ freedom of association under the law by the law);
7) implement the whistleblowing procedure, including enabling employees and outsiders to anonymously report illegal or immoral practices while maintaining the confidentiality of data and ensuring that these people are protected against retaliation;
8) protect confidential or proprietary information of Plasmet as well as protect any personal information transferred in connection with a business relationship with Plasmet;
9) ensuring safe working conditions for all persons working in the suppliers’ facilities;
10) compliance with health and safety standards in force at Plasmet by contractors working on its premises;
11) care for the natural environment, i.a. by limiting the consumption of natural resources, reducing waste, taking care of water and air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, responsible management of hazardous substances, investing in renewable energy sources;
12) involvement in the local community;
13) ensure that the materials / products they provide do not contain the so-called “Conflict minerals”;
14) share the above guidelines with your suppliers,
15) complete a self-assessment questionnaire based on the provisions of this Code at the request of Plasmet.
6. Policy towards employees
6.1. Employee health and safety
Plasmet cares about the health and safety of its employees. It also adheres to the principles of occupational health and safety and provides all employees with decent working conditions.
6.2. Equal opportunities for all employees
Plasmet believes that its success depends on the full commitment of all employees. The company creates equal opportunities for all employees in terms of recruitment, training, promotion, benefits, etc. They are treated individually according to their ability to meet professional expectations.
6.3. Privacy
The dignity and privacy of every employee is protected and respected. It is acceptable to collect only such personal information that is necessary for the functioning of the company. Employees must be informed of what information is collected about them and should give their permision; they also must have access to their individual personal file. Personal information is confidential and may not be disclosed without the consent of the persons concerned, except in cases provided for by law.
6.4. Communication
Employees should be informed about all aspects of the company’s operations that concern them, as well as about the company’s strategy, goals and achievements. There should be constant communication channels that stimulate an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect between the company and its employees. Each employee should also be able to talk about problems in the company with their supervisor or a member of the management board.
6.5. Development and remuneration/salary od employees
Plasmet creates conditions that stimulate development for all employees. Every employee should have the same opportunity to improve their professional skills, within the company’s capabilities. Wages should reflect the assessment of the effects of work, individual possibilities and personal contribution of work, team work, and also take into account market rates.
7. Socially responsible business
We attach great importance to corporate social responsibility. The Plasmet company, from the beginning of its activity, has been widely involved in social and charity activities. It is particularly interested in local initiatives, sponsoring sports and artistic events, supporting the activities of e.g. schools, community and individuals. Particular attention should be paid to organizations dealing with the care of disabled, handicapped and sick people. It is both material and financial assistance as well as organizational support:
sponsoring sports and artistic events,
supporting materially, financially and organizationally the activities of i.a. schools and environmental organizations,
paying particular attention to organizations dealing with the care of disabled, handicapped and sick people,
by providing support especially to employees, former employees, as well as their families,
cooperating with schools and technical universities, enabling internships and the implementation of diploma theses in the company,
by associating both employees and members of the local community as part of its own fishing club PZW “Plasmet” Widzino and organizing, at its own fishery near the company’s headquarters, numerous fishing competitions, as well as the annual Fishing Children’s Day,
organizing cyclical integration events for employees and their families, including joint celebration of company jubilees,
by caring for the constant improvement of employees’ qualifications, by organizing trainings, courses and trips to conferences, as well as by reimbursing the costs of training employees at universities.
8. Applying the Code in Practice
8.1. Compliance with the Code
It is the responsibility of every management, employee and associate to know and follow Plasmet’s Code of Conduct. Problems that arise in connection with the implementation of the code, as well as any comments and suggestions for improvement, should be reported to the company’s management board, whose task is to ensure that the code functions in practice. Each employee should respond to any violations of the code by reporting it to their supervisor or directly to the company’s management board. People from outside may report noticed abuses anonymously to the contact numbers of the company’s management provided later in the Code. Both internal and external whistleblowers are protected against retaliation.
Plasmet management board will not tolerate any illegal or unethical activity. Any breach of the code will be punished with a reprimand. In the case of employees who violate the principles of the work regulations, the consequences set out in the work regulations will be drawn.
8.2. The content of the Code of Conduct is made available to Plasmet’s suppliers.
8.3. This code of conduct shall enter into force on 04/16/2018.
8.4. In case of any doubts as to the rules of conduct, they should be consulted with superiors or with the management board:
President (CEO): Jan Czechowicz
Vice-president: Tomasz Czechowicz
Vice-president: Marek Czechowicz
E-mail: plasmet@plasmet.com.pl phone: +48 59 842 97 93
8.5. The updated content of the Code of Conduct broadens the issues of corporate social responsibility, introduces responsible sourcing of supplies, as well as issues related to export control, financial operations, the use of counterfeit parts and reporting abuse, and it enters into force on 03/02/2022, with 2 weeks from announcing it to employees by posting it on the notice board.