Supplier Code of Conduct

The Vancouver Airport Authority Supplier Code of Conduct sets out the minimum standards for our suppliers and their subcontractors to promote safe and healthy workplaces, basic fair labour practices and environmental responsibility. These minimum workplace performance standards are based on the core labour conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO). We expect all of our suppliers to declare their compliance with the standards in this Code and ensure the standards are being upheld by any of their subcontractors. New suppliers will sign the Code when they enter into a business relationship with the Airport Authority; we will work with existing suppliers to obtain their sign-off, starting with the largest dollar-value contracts and/or most high-risk suppliers. We expect our suppliers to inform us promptly of any challenges they have in meeting the standards within this Code and we will work with and support suppliers who are committed to continuously improving their workplace practices.

If Suppliers or their sub-contractors are unable or unwilling to comply with this Code of Conduct, the Airport Authority reserves the right to take appropriate actions including but not limited to seeking more information, rejecting a proposal or bid, or cancelling, suspending, or terminating the contract for default.

Freely Chosen Employment

The Supplier shall employ workers who choose to be employed by the Supplier’s company. All work shall be voluntary and workers shall be free to leave upon reasonable notice. The Supplier will not use, and will ensure its subcontractors do not use, forced labour. Forced labour means labour or service provided or offered to be provided by a person under circumstances that (a) could reasonably be expected to cause the person to believe their safety or the safety of a person known to them would be threatened if they failed to provide or offer to provide the labour or service; or (b) constitute forced or compulsory labour as defined in article 2 of the Forced Labour Convention, 1930.

Age of Employment

The Supplier will not use, and will ensure its subcontractors do not use, child labour. Child labour means labour or services provided or offered to be provided by persons under the age of 18 years and that (a) are provided or offered to be provided in Canada under circumstances that are contrary to the laws applicable in Canada, (b) are provided or offered to be provided under circumstances that are mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous to them, (c) interfere with their schooling; or (d) constitute the worst forms of child labour as defined in Article 3 of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999. The use of legitimate workplace apprenticeship programs, which comply with all laws and regulations, is permitted.

Non-discrimination and Diversity

Employment decisions must be made solely on the basis of knowledge, skill, efficiency and ability to do the job and meet its requirements and no person shall be subject to discrimination in hiring and employment practices such as promotions, rewards, and access to training.

Health and Safety

Workers will be provided with a safe and healthy work environment. Conditions in all work and residential facilities shall be safe, clean and consistent with all applicable laws and regulations regarding occupational health and safety. Employees must be made aware of health and safety guidelines in terms of equipment, training, and work practices.

Employee Treatment

The Supplier’s employees shall be treated with respect and dignity.

Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining

The Supplier shall work directly with employees to find solutions to any outstanding legal and employment issues while at all times respecting worker rights to obtain representation and/or bargain collectively.

Wages and Benefits

Compensation paid to workers shall comply with all applicable wage laws, including those relating to minimum wages, overtime hours and legally mandated benefits.

Hours of Work

The Supplier shall ensure regular working and overtime hours do not exceed the maximum stipulated under local, regional, or national legislation except in emergency circumstances.

Environmental Responsibility

Suppliers shall take responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of their products and services as well as their overall operations or ‘in-house’ practices (e.g. energy conservation in their buildings). Suppliers must not be in violation of any national or provincial environmental regulations.

Anti-Corruption Business Practices

The Supplier will not, directly or indirectly, pay, give, offer or promise anything of value to any local or foreign government official (or to any person for the benefit of a government official) for the purpose of corruptly causing the government official to improperly act or use his or her influence in obtaining or retaining any business or securing any improper advantage for the Airport Authority or the Supplier.

Human Trafficking

The Supplier will not engage in any form of human trafficking activities and will ensure their subcontractors do not engage in such activities. The Supplier will take steps to mitigate human trafficking risks in their supply chain.  The Supplier will ensure that employees are working voluntarily and not be subjected to any form of exploitation, such as human trafficking for the purpose of forced labour or sexual exploitation.