Purpose
Penanshin Shipping believes that all humans have the right to freedom from harassment and discrimination, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity and have equal opportunities. Penanshin Shipping is responsible for ensuring that all its stakeholders feel included and are not discriminated against while conducting business with us. This policy states Penanshin Shipping’s commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and discrimination.
Penanshin Shipping has a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of harassment or discrimination and will always strive to maintain an environment free of it. The policy intends to:
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Ensure that all covered under this policy are aware that harassment and discrimination are unacceptable practices and are subject to legal action.
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Assert the minimum standard of behavior expected of all covered under this policy.
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Ensure prompt and fair dealing with complaints on harassment, bullying, or any kind of unlawful discrimination by employees, suppliers, vendors, and any other stakeholders.
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Treat all employees fairly and have zero tolerance for discrimination.
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Comply with all laws related to harassment, discrimination, and equal opportunity.
Scope and Applicability
This policy is applicable to Allcargo Belgium N.V. and its subsidiaries, wherever applicable (together referred to as “Penanshin Shipping”).
It is necessary to note that jurisdiction and local regulations for harassment and discrimination may differ across countries, and that this policy is to be used in conjunction with local laws. However, if local regulations set a higher standard than this policy, then local regulations are to be followed in addition to this policy.
Policy Statement
1. Prohibition of Harassment
For Penanshin Shipping, harassment includes, but is not limited to, any unwelcome conduct (verbal, nonverbal, or physical) that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity, creating a hostile or offensive environment, or can reasonably be expected to cause an individual to feel uncomfortable, bullied, offended, denigrated, humiliated, intimidated, threatened, or distressed. The nature of harassment may be sexual or non-sexual, and it is a violation of this policy.
Sexual harassment may be defined as any unwelcome acts or behavior (whether directly or by implication) such as physical contact and advances, a demand or request for sexual favors, making sexually colored remarks, showing pornography, or any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
This policy also prohibits sexual solicitation by any individual who is in a position to grant or deny a benefit to the recipient of the solicitation or advance. This includes managers and supervisors, as well as co-workers where one person is in a position to grant or deny a benefit to the other.
2. Anti-Discrimination
Penanshin Shipping prohibits discrimination, harassment, bias, or prejudice in its terms and conditions of employment on the basis of an individual’s:
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Race
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Color
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National origin/ancestry
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Ethnic origin
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Age
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Sex/gender (including intersex, transgender, or intergender status)
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Pregnancy, maternity, paternity, or caring responsibilities
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Marital or relationship status or civil partnership
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Sexual orientation
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Gender/sexual identity or expression
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Physical/mental disability
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Creed, religion, and religious affiliation
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Any other protected status under applicable local law
Discrimination based on these aspects is a violation of the law, and violators will face disciplinary action.
Any person who believes they have been subjected to discrimination based on any of the characteristics mentioned herein is encouraged to bring the matter to the attention of management at the earliest opportunity.
3. Dissemination and Implementation of Policy
Directors, the Management Committee, and Managers shall be responsible for implementing equal employment practices within each department. The Human Resources department shall be responsible for overall compliance and shall maintain personnel records in compliance with applicable local laws and regulations.
4. Disciplinary Action
All employees must be aware of their role and responsibility in maintaining an environment free of harassment and discrimination. Violation of this policy is subject to strict disciplinary action. Depending on the severity of the offense and the recurrence of incidents, offenders are subject to:
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Verbal warning
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Written warning
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Loss of privileges
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Demotion
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Suspension
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Permanent termination of contract
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Criminal charges
The local laws and regulations of each operation’s location will be taken into consideration as well.
Filing of false reports, false testifying, intentional reputational damage, and fabrication of such incidents will also be considered a violation of this policy.
5. Incident Reporting
Penanshin Shipping promotes a culture of openness, and a strong “speak-up” culture is part of our ethos. All employees who may have faced harassment or discrimination, keeping this policy in mind, are encouraged to step forward and report such incidents.
The anonymity and confidentiality of the reportee will be maintained at all times and will not be disclosed without the reportee’s consent. Employees testifying for any incidents will also be protected under the report’s anonymity and confidentiality clause.
6. Non-Retaliation
Penanshin Shipping ensures that no one faces retaliation from offenders or the Company upon reporting an incident. Reprisal or retaliation is strictly prohibited and is a violation of this policy. The Company reserves the right to take appropriate action, which may include written or verbal warnings, suspension, or termination of employment, depending on the severity and frequency of the behavior.
7. Training for Employees
The Learning and Development team shall conduct mandatory training programs to promote a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace on an annual basis. All employees are required to complete the training and affirm compliance.
