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At Nordstrom, we recognize that our success is based on the quality of our relationships with our customers, employees, vendors and communities. We strive to be a socially responsible company and know that the trust our customers have in us is not to be taken lightly. Nordstrom seeks partners who share our commitment to quality products and quality business principles. We work hard to see that the goods we sell in our stores are made in compliance with applicable law. Nordstrom has adopted a multi-step approach with the goal of insuring that the facilities operated by its vendors, subcontractors
and buying agents adhere to a high degree of ethical labor standards. The company distributes the Nordstrom Partnership: Standards and Business Practice Guidelines ("Guidelines") to all existing and new vendors. The Guidelines state that vendors must comply with all applicable wage, hour and overtime laws, follow fair employment practices, respect workers rights to freedom of association, comply with environmental standards, and provide a safe work environment. Our Guidelines also specifically forbid the use of child, prison or other forced labor. Nordstrom routinely reviews the Guidelines to determine whether modifications are appropriate in light of new developments.
In addition, Nordstrom is the only retailer participant in the Fair Labor Association, a non-profit organization combining the efforts of industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), colleges and universities to improve working conditions worldwide. Nordstrom is also a member of Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) a global organization that helps member companies achieve success in ways that respect ethical values, people, communities and the environment. A nonprofit organization, BSR promotes cross sector collaboration and contributes to global efforts to advance the field of social responsibility.
Below you will find the guidelines we use and require all our vendor partners to follow.
Nordstrom Partnership Guidelines
Legal Requirements:
Nordstrom expects all of its business Partners ("Partners" as used in these Partnership Guidelines shall include all agents, vendors, manufacturers, factories, suppliers, and subcontractors) to comply with the applicable laws and regulations of the respective country of manufacture or exportation, and the importation laws of the United States. All products must be accurately labeled and clearly identified as to their country of origin. The language to be used for purposes of notice and interpreting the meaning of these guidelines shall be English.
Forced Labor:
Nordstrom will not conduct business with any Partner that uses involuntary labor of any kind; including prison labor, indentured labor, or forced labor. Overtime must be voluntary. Employees shall not be required to lodge 'deposits' or identity papers upon commencing employment with the company or as a condition of employment.
Child Labor:
Partners will not employ anyone under the age of 15, and/or younger than the age for completing compulsory education, or under the minimum ages established by applicable law in the country of manufacturer, if higher than the age of 15.
Furthermore, Partners of any kind must comply with all local laws pertaining to the restrictions on "young workers" under the age of 18, including restrictions on their exposure to situations in or outside of the workplace that are hazardous, unsafe, or unhealthy, and Partners will provide adequate protection from such exposure.
Harassment and Abuse:
Nordstrom expects its Partners to treat every employee with respect and dignity. No employee will be subject to any harassment, which includes any physical, verbal, sexual or psychological harassment or abuse. Partners will not use monetary fines as a disciplinary practice. Furthermore, workers must be free to voice their concerns to Nordstrom or Nordstrom appointed staff, and must be allowed to participate in the Nordstrom audit process, without fear of retaliation by factory management.
Nondiscrimination:
Nordstrom firmly believes people are entitled to equal opportunity in employment. Although the company recognizes cultural differences exist, Nordstrom will not pursue business relationships with Partners who discriminate in employment practices (including hiring, wages, benefits, assigned duties, advancement opportunities, discipline; termination or retirement on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital or maternity status, work or personal affiliations, political opinion or social or ethnic origin, or physical, mental or sensory disability).
Wages and Benefits:
Partners shall set wages, overtime pay and legally mandated benefits and allowances in compliance with all applicable laws. Workers shall be paid at least the minimum legal wage, or a wage that meets applicable local industry standards, whichever is greater.
Health and Safety:
Nordstrom seeks Partners who provide written standards for safe and healthy work environments and the prevention of accident and injury to the health of their workers, including adequate facilities and protections from exposure to hazardous conditions or materials. These provisions must include safe and healthy conditions for dormitories and residential facilities, and they must comply with local health and safety laws and standards.
Hours of Work/ Overtime:
While permitting flexibility in scheduling, we will identify local legal limits on work hours and seek Partners who do not exceed them except for appropriately compensated overtime. While we favor Partners who utilize less than 60 total hours per week, we will not use Partners who, on a regular basis, require in excess of 48 hours per week and 12 hours overtime per week, or as permitted by applicable law, whichever is lower.
Employees must receive at least one uninterrupted, 24-hour rest period after every 6 consecutive days worked.
US Customs:
Partners will comply with applicable US Customs importing laws and, in particular, will establish and maintain programs and documentation to support country of origin production verification, to avoid illegal transshipping. Partners shall educate themselves regarding Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) security recommendations, take steps necessary to comply, and be prepared for validation by Nordstrom and/or Customs.
Environment:
Partners will demonstrate a regard for the environment, as well as compliance with applicable environmental laws. Further, Nordstrom actively seeks partners who demonstrate a commitment to progressive environmental practices and to preserving the earth's resources.
Documentation and Inspection:
Nordstrom intends to monitor compliance with our Partnership Guidelines and to undertake on-site inspections of Partners' facilities. Partners will maintain, on file, all documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with these Partnership Guidelines, and will authorize Nordstrom and its designated agents (including third parties) to engage in announced and unannounced monitoring activities to ensure compliance, including confidential employee interviews. Nordstrom will review and may terminate its relationships with any Partner found to be in violation of the Partnership Guidelines, including denying access to approved monitors.
Freedom of Association:
Partners will respect workers rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Subcontracting and Changes in Manufacturers, Factories, or Suppliers:
Partners will not utilize subcontractors for the production of Nordstrom products or components without written approval and authorization from Nordstrom, and only after the subcontractor has agreed to comply with the Partnership Guidelines. Partners will not change manufacturers, factories, subcontractors or suppliers for the production of Nordstrom products without written approval and authorization from Nordstrom and only after the new factory, subcontractor, or supplier has agreed in writing to comply with the Partnership Guidelines.
Change of Control:
Partners shall give advance, written notice to Nordstrom if the ownership of the Partner changes. The new owners of Partner shall promptly agree to comply with these Partnership Guidelines.
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