Anti-Harassment Policy
Introduction
SMT Shipping is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. We believe that all staff and employees have the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices. This policy outlines our commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for everyone.
Scope
The policy covers conduct that occurs in the workplace, at company-sponsored events, or any other setting where staff and employees are representing SMT Shipping.
Definitions
Harassment
Harassment is any unwelcome conduct based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Harassment becomes unlawful when enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment or when the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a form of harassment that includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
- Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment.
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting such individual.
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
Bullying
Bullying is repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons by one or more perpetrators. It includes actions such as verbal abuse, offensive conduct/behaviours that are threatening, humiliating, or intimidating, or work interference.
Discrimination
Discrimination involves treating someone unfavourably because of characteristics protected by law, such as race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
Retaliation
Retaliation is any adverse action taken against an individual for reporting harassment or discrimination, or for participating in an investigation.
Prohibited Conduct
Examples of conduct that may constitute harassment include, but are not limited to:
- Offensive or degrading remarks, verbal abuse, or insults.
- Display or circulation of derogatory, offensive, or sexually explicit materials.
- Unwelcome touching or physical contact.
- Threats, intimidation, or other hostile acts.
- Making employment decisions based on submission to or rejection of sexual advances.
Reporting Procedures
Employees who believe they have been subjected to harassment, discrimination, bullying or retaliation should promptly report the incident the Legal Department via legal@smtshipping.com
Employees are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible to assist in the investigation.
Confidentiality
All complaints and investigations will be handled, to the extent possible, in a manner that protects the privacy of all parties involved. Information will be disclosed strictly on a need-to-know basis.
Investigation Process
Upon receipt of a complaint, SMT Shipping will promptly initiate a thorough and impartial investigation. The steps may include:
- Interviewing the complainant and the alleged harasser.
- Interviewing witnesses or others who may have relevant information.
- Reviewing any pertinent documents or evidence.
The investigation will be completed as soon as practicable, and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted.
Disciplinary Action
Employees who are found to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Disciplinary measures will correspond to the severity of the offence and may include:
- Verbal or written warnings.
- Suspension without pay.
- Termination of employment.
No Retaliation
SMT Shipping strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports harassment or discrimination or participates in an investigation. Retaliation is a serious violation of this policy and will result in disciplinary action.
Contact Information
For questions regarding this policy or to report an incident, please contact the Legal Department at legal@smtshipping.com