Factories that produce goods for Lark shall operate in full compliance with the laws of their respective countries and with all other applicable laws, rules and regulations including relating to labor, worker health and safety, and the environment.
Factories must comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations. Where such requirements are less stringent than Lark's own, factories are encouraged to meet the standards outlined in Lark's statement of environmental principles.
Factories shall employ workers on the basis of their ability to do the job, not on the basis of their personal characteristics or beliefs.
Factories shall not use any prison, indentured or forced labor.
Factories shall employ only workers who meet the applicable minimum legal age requirement or are at least 14 years of age, whichever is greater. Factories must also comply with all other applicable child labor laws. Factories are encouraged to develop lawful workplace apprenticeship programs for the educational benefit of their workers, provided that all participants meet both Lark International's minimum age standard of 14 and the minimum age standard of 14 and the minimum legal age requirement.
Factories shall set working hours, wages and overtime pay in compliance with all applicable laws. Workers shall be paid at least the minimum legal wage or a wage that meets local industry standards, which is greater. While it is understood that overtime is often required in garment production, factories shall carry out operations in ways that limit overtime to a level that ensures humane and productive working conditions.
Factories must treat all workers with respect and dignity and provide them with a safe and healthy environment. Factories shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding working conditions. Factories shall not use corporal punishment or any other from of physical or psychological coercion. Factories must be sufficiently lighted and ventilated, aisles accessible, machinery maintained, and hazardous materials sensibly stored and disposed of. Factories providing housing for workers must keep these facilities clean and safe.
Workers are free to join associations of their own choosing. Factories must not interfere with workers who wish to lawfully and peacefully associate, organize or bargain collectively. The decision whether or not to do so should be made solely by the workers.