We will always respect and protect our suppliers for having the courage to live by and respect our Code.
Welcome to
Every day we strive to work for the good of our organizations and our country. It is always a challenge, but it is a rewarding job. We face a complex and changing world that requires action or difficult decisions. We need to recognize these challenges and take appropriate action in a responsible manner. We are fully aware of the results and consequences of our actions.
MG Public Relations’ success and doing the right thing is a vision. We see our suppliers as an extension of our business, so we expect the same from you. In the MG Public Relations Supplier Code of Conduct you will find what you need to know to understand what we expect when you work with us.
We strive to cover most situations, but if you are unsure about any of these actions, seek guidance on what you think is right.
We invite you to read our Supplier Code of Conduct carefully and to comply with it. If you do, you will have our full support, which will enable us to build long-term, sustainable relationships.
1. Introduction
As we continually strive to deliver high performance for our customers, our company and our constituents; therefore, we are committed to maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards consistent with our Values and our Code of Conduct.
At MG Public Relations we value our relationship with our suppliers as an important component to achieve high performance in our business. Our Supplier Code of Conduct, which complements our Code of Conduct and Ethics (available at www.mgpr.com.do./codeofconduct), sets forth the standards and practices that apply to all of our suppliers (“MGPR Suppliers”), including all supplier facilities.
We encourage our suppliers to operate in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of our country and the countries in which they operate. Al seleccionar proveedores, trabajamos duro para elegir socios comerciales acreditados que estén comprometidos con estándares éticos y prácticas comerciales compatibles con los nuestros.
This Code formalizes MG Public Relations’ commitment to best practices, recognizing differences in cultures and legal requirements, we expect that wherever our suppliers are located, produce products or provide services for us and our customers, that they are produced and/or provided in a manner consistent with high standards that contribute to our reputation and align with business and sustainable objectives.
Suppliers must comply with this Code and have and maintain practices similar to those in our Code of Conduct. At MG Public Relations we are committed to helping our suppliers meet these standards.
In turn, we expect our suppliers to apply these standards to the suppliers they work with to provide goods and services to the company. We strongly encourage our suppliers to exceed the requirements of this Code and to promote best practices and continuous improvement in all their operations in order to raise the industry and market standard in support of fair and just business practices.
Together, let’s “do the right thing in the right way” and embark on this journey to create a more responsible marketplace and society.
2. Our people
MG Public Relations has a diverse staff and supplier portfolio that exceeds 80 registered companies. We all have different skills and abilities, enriching the environment through diverse cultures and beliefs. This diversity has helped make our company what it is today and is important in shaping our future.
Our success is a reflection of our people and those with whom we work. We value inclusive thinking and difference of opinion, believing that diversity enriches our environments and generates innovation.
2.1 Trato justo e igualdad de oportunidades
We want MG Public Relations to be a place of mutual trust and respect, embracing diversity and valuing everyone for their merits and work. A place where people’s rights are respected and upheld, where everyone is treated fairly and consistently.
We expect our suppliers to do the same. They must ensure employment, including hiring, pay, benefits, advancement, termination and retirement, based on ability and not on beliefs or any other personal characteristics. This includes discrimination based on sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, political beliefs, union activity, marital status, caregiving responsibilities, disability, age, or citizenship.
We encourage our suppliers to ensure that women workers are treated equally in all aspects of employment. Pregnancy testing shall not be a condition of employment and pregnancy testing, to the extent provided, shall be voluntary and at the option of the employee.
2.2 Respectful workplace
All members of the MG Public Relations family are entitled to respect and freedom from harassment. Violence in the workplace is unacceptable, regardless of the reason or circumstance. We will not tolerate harassment or violence against an employee.
We also expect our suppliers to provide the same commitment Our suppliers must treat all workers with respect and dignity. No work shall be subject to corporal punishment, harassment, or physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal abuse, nor is there any threat of such treatment. In addition, reprimand the use of monetary fines as a disciplinary practice.
2.3 Human rights
Respect for human rights is a fundamental part of our operation and business in line with our values.
Nuestro compromiso de respetar los derechos humanos reconoce a todos los reconocidos internacionalmente por la Declaración de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas. We will seek to respect and uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all those who work for us or with us, and of the people and communities with whom we work.
Our suppliers must identify, prevent and mitigate any adverse human rights impacts caused or contributed to by their operations to avoid any violation of the rights of others and also identify impacts that are directly linked to their operations where they are acting or in connection with our operations We expect our suppliers to share this commitment and specifically comply with the following:
2.3.1 Child labor
At MG Public Relations, we refrain from hiring people who have not reached the legal age of employment, and for those who have reached the legal age to ensure that they do not perform work considered dangerous and unhealthy. Article 56 of the Dominican Constitution declares the elimination of child labor and its worst forms as a national priority. The Convention of the International Labor Organization (ILO), in its articles 138 and 182 on minimum age and in relation to the worst forms of child labor, the Labor Code and the Code of the System of Protection and Fundamental Rights of Children and Adolescents, in its articles 244 to 254 inclusive, of the Dominican Labor Code.
We expect our suppliers to do the same, in order to comply with local laws regarding the minimum age of employees.
Suppliers must comply with all legal requirements for the employment of authorized youth workers, particularly those related to working hours, wages, and safe working conditions.
All young workers must be protected from performing any work that may be hazardous or interfere with their education or that may be detrimental to their health, physical, mental, social, spiritual, or moral development. We encourage our suppliers to participate in legitimate workplace learning programs such as “First Step or First Job” that comply with applicable laws and regulations.
2.3.2 Forced labor
In accordance with our own commitment, our suppliers must not use any form of forced or involuntary labor, including human trafficking, enslaved, enslaved, or trafficked labor, and must never engage in any form of commercial sex act procurement.
All work must be voluntary and workers must be free to terminate their employment in accordance with established laws, regulations, and standards. Workers will not be charged any fees or costs for recruitment, direct or indirect, total or partial, including costs associated with travel, processing of official documents, and work visas in the countries of origin and destination.
When subcontracting recruitment and hiring is necessary, companies should ensure that the labor agencies they work with are operating legally, are certified or authorized by the competent authority, and do not engage in fraudulent behavior that puts workers at risk of forced labor or trafficking for exploitation.
Suppliers should also not require workers to provide government-issued identification, passports or work permits as a condition of employment. The retention of personal documents shall not be used as a means to coerce workers into employment or to restrict their freedom of movement.
Written employment contracts shall be provided to workers in a language they understand, clearly indicating their rights and responsibilities with respect to wages, working hours, and other labor and working conditions. This must be provided prior to joining the workplace.
Our suppliers must establish adequate procedures to ensure that they are not directly or indirectly, through their supply chain, involved in any form of involuntary or forced labor. The workplace must be free from any form of harsh or inhumane treatment.
Disciplinary policies and procedures shall be clearly defined and communicated to all workers, and shall not include any inhumane measures, including corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion, or verbal abuse of workers; nor shall they include sanctions that result in wage deductions, benefit reductions, or any other. The use or threat of physical or sexual violence, harassment, and intimidation against an employee, his or her family, or close associates is strictly prohibited.
2.3.3 Freedom of association
Our company recognizes the importance of open communications and direct engagement between employees and management and expects its suppliers to do the same.
Suppliers shall respect the rights of workers to freely interact and communicate openly and transparently with management regarding working conditions without fear of harassment, intimidation, penalty, interference or retaliation.
We expect our suppliers to recognize and respect any rights of workers to exercise legal rights of free association, including joining or not joining any association of their choice.
3. Our values
As a player in the Dominican business sector, we strive to “be different”. It is imperative to recognize that the fulfillment of ethical duties is essential and common to encourage the development of the sector and the economy, therefore. We do not engage in improper, unethical or questionable business practices.
3.1 No Bribery and zero corruption
We join our clients in anti-corruption commitments under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, UK Bribery Act, Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, or any other agreements in the jurisdiction where we operate.
These laws prohibit us from paying, offering, or promising anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any third party, including any government official, to obtain an improper advantage or improperly influence an official act or decision related to our business. Our policies also prohibit us from improperly seeking or accepting anything of value to provide an improper advantage to suppliers or other business partners.
We expect our suppliers to demonstrate a similar commitment by understanding and complying with all applicable laws. Our suppliers must inspire trust by assuming responsibility, acting ethically, and encouraging honest and open debate.
In connection with any transaction relating to the manufacture, distribution, or delivery of goods or services to the company or otherwise involving the company, the supplier must not offer, promise, authorize, give, demand, or accept any gift, loan, fee, reward, or another advantage to or from any person as an inducement; to do anything that is dishonest, illegal or a breach of trust; to obtain, retain or direct business; or to secure any other improper advantage. According to these standards, improper payments include offers, promises, authorizations, or payments of anything of value to expedite routine government actions.
We expect our suppliers to implement appropriate and adequate procedures for their employees to comply with applicable anti-corruption laws and these standards.
3.2 Environment
We work with our team to continually assess and reduce our environmental impact. We aim to prevent environmental damage and minimize our use of energy and resources. We will preserve existing forest and natural resources and water sources, as they are sources of life for the labor and national community.
We will also recycle as many materials as possible to become a proactive member of the community on this issue. Responsible operations mean minimizing the impact our operations have on the environment. Good environmental practices are in the best interests of our business, our employees, and the communities in which we operate.
MG Public Relations, preserves, cares and applies fully to all consulting processes and operations, the environmental standards and laws that contribute to maintaining the integral health of the community and the environment. We strive at all times to conduct our business in accordance with recognized industry standards, institute policies that meet or exceed applicable environmental and health, and safety laws and regulations, and continually seek ways to improve our environmental performance. Targets and benchmarks are established to measure environmental performance, with the SDGs as a guiding light for our actions.
Our suppliers must comply with all local environmental laws applicable to the workplace, products produced, and manufacturing methods. In addition, we ask our suppliers not to use materials that are considered harmful to the environment but should encourage the use of processes and materials that support sustainability, a practice that will extend throughout their supply chain.
3.3 Our community
Being a good corporate citizen is fundamental to the way we do business. Supporting the community brings real benefits to our customers, our people, and our country. We support and contribute to the social and economic well-being of the communities in which we operate.
We engaged with our neighbors to gain a sense of the concerns of local communities and seek ways to contribute to and mitigate impacts within our powers.
We respect the traditions, cultures and laws of our people. We recognized that small businesses, voluntary and community organizations, social enterprises, and ethnic minority businesses are important members of our supply chain. They contribute to local economies and social cohesion. We expect our suppliers to have similar views and hope that you will join us in these commitments as we work together.
3.4 Transparency
Aware of our duties and rights and the purpose of contributing to sustainable development in the Dominican Republic, we enshrine the following principles as cornerstones of our management. We are committed to always act in accordance with legally issued laws and regulations:
- We are committed to always act in accordance with legally issued laws and regulations.
- We comply with the mandates of our Constitution and the laws, rules, regulations, and resolutions legally issued by the authorities and institutions.
- We comply with all labor and tax obligations established by law. We will refrain from any activity designed, or which could reasonably be construed, to perpetuate a fraud or evade taxes.
- We act with truthfulness and transparency in the delivery of information and take actions against the various agencies.
- We do not promote acts that are contrary to the law, nor do we associate with people who promote or engage in practices that are divorced from our values.
3.5 Confidentiality and safeguarding of information
We expect our suppliers to meet these same standards. Fraud is a criminal offense under the laws of the Dominican Republic and many of the countries where we do business.
We serve our customers with respect and transparency. By our own decision and due to the passionate service we provide to each of them, we do not represent more than one client in an industry sector. We avoid conflict situations between companies that may have conflictive problems.
We respect the client’s trust placed in our firm and team. Therefore, we signed the following agreements:
- Confidentiality Agreement – NDA
- Non-competition agreement – Not to compete
Business relationships with business partners and suppliers are handled professionally. We respect the work and creativity of our allies, so we give credit for their ideas and services rendered to our clients, according to the terms under which those relationships are negotiated. We also enter into privacy agreements and safeguard information with each of them on behalf of our customers.
Our employees and suppliers have a responsibility to keep confidential information secure and safeguarded. Our suppliers must exercise due care in the handling, discussion, or transmission of confidential or privileged information that may affect our company, its employees, and that of our customers.
The responsibility of suppliers to keep confidential information of the company provided (that or our company, as well as our clients) as confidential is a continuing obligation even after their assignment or contract with MG Public Relations has ended.
