The Code Of Conduct

MALAIKA NEW YORK ETHOS

Malaika New York is a zero waste womenswear label for contemporary minimalists based in Denmark. By using innovative pattern making techniques, up-cycled fabrics and European production, Malaika New York is able to significantly reduce C02 emissions while providing exceptional quality and fair labor practices. Malaika New York is proud to maintain a 5% waste rate compared to the industry standard of 30%.

Malaika New York honors its commitment to practicing zero waste fashion by prioritizing the use of up-cycled and regenerated fabrics, and textile cutoffs over raw materials. All remaining textile waste is further up-cycled into scarves and small accessories to truly embody the zero waste lifestyle, and any cottons used are GOTS or OEKO certified. All suppliers are carefully selected for their shared vision and commitment to fair labor and environmental consciousness. We only work with suppliers and collaborators that adhere to national and international laws regarding health and safety, ethical working conditions, and environmental protection.  

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUISITES

Malaika New York and its suppliers must ensure compliance with all relevant local, national, and international environmental protection laws and regulations in place. All actions and precautions must be implemented to reduce Malaika New York’s impact on air and water pollution, soil quality, human health, and other environmental issues. Vendors, subcontractors, and partners must adhere to environmental protection legislation at both local and global levels, as well as taking proactive measures to reduce any negative environmental impacts. All parties must prioritize the development and usage of practices which better benefit the environment.

SOCIAL REQUISITES

Malaika New York has a zero tolerance policy of unethical treatment towards employees and partners. Human rights and safe working conditions, as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are always promoted and upheld within the workplaces of the company and partner companies. All suppliers, buyers, and vendors must uphold national and international regulations on labor and safety conditions, based on the minimums stated in the nine core ILO conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  

1. Fair & Safe Employment Contracts

Employees shall be guaranteed a safe environment, and fair compensation and benefits based on obligations provided by labor or social security laws and regulations. Fair compensation mean

Labor-only contracts, apprenticeship programs, and internships that do not provide regular employment, safe working conditions, or unfair compensation shall be prohibited. Vendors, partners, and subcontractors shall comply with rules and conditions that ensure safe and respectful treatment of workers that protect their labor and social security rights based on national and international laws and regulations.  

        2.  Zero Child Labor Policy

Child labor shall be strictly prohibited. The minimum age of employment shall match the age of completion of compulsory schooling, or at least 15 years old. 

        3. Safe Working Environment

Malaika New York guarantees a safe and healthy working environment that actively protects employee health and prevents occupational hazards to best avoid accidents and/or injuries. 

       4.  Zero Tolerance Policy Of Discrimination, Harassment and Violence

Malaika New York adopts a zero tolerance policy towards physical abuse, threatening language and intimidation, sexual harassment, verbal harassment, psychological abuse, physical punishments, and racism. Malaika New York is an equal opportunities employer that does not base recruitment, promotions, termination, retirement and pension, or admittance to training programs on race, nationality, gender, religion, political affiliations, disabilities, or organizational memberships. The forms of discrimination, harassment, and violence outlined above also apply to our supply chain and are not tolerated by Malaika New York. Suppliers and vendors are prohibited from using any form of forced labor (prison labor, bonded labor, or indentured labor). 

        5.  Fair Compensation

Malaika New York employees shall be fairly compensated for their work. Their working hours shall adhere to relevant labor laws while matching industry standards to provide a healthy work-life balance. Wages and benefits shall comply with legal and industry standards to ensure employees are able to meet and/or exceed their financial needs while reflecting the region’s current cost of living and/or inflation.

Deductions from wages, excluding those dictated by national law (to be withdrawn for tax or pension purposes, etc) shall be prohibited. Legally approved deductions will never result in an amount that equates to less than the regional minimum wage. Terms and conditions of wages shall be clearly explained to every employee. Employee working hours shall not exceed the legal maximums on a daily and weekly basis, and employees will be granted adequate amounts of time off between shifts as well as paid annual leave & maternity leave that matches regional standards. The employee also have the right to collective bargaining.

        6.  Working Conditions

Malaika New York shall provide employees with a safe and clean working environment, with a commitment to continually upholding best occupational health and safety practices. Suppliers and partners shall also provide employees with a safe work environment on par with Malaika New York’s. Employees from both parties shall always have access to clean drinking water, clean and hygienic bathroom facilities, clean ventilation, and adequate lighting. The work space shall have an adequate amount of fire extinguishers and fire exits as dictated by regional health and safety laws. 

Malaika New York observes and adheres to the core ILO labor standards of the ILO4: the prohibition of child labor (as per ILO Convention 138 “Minimum Age”, 1973 & ILO Convention 182 “Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor,” 1999); prohibition of forced labor (as per ILO Convention 29 “Forced Labor”, 1930 & ILO Convention 105 “Abolition of Forced Labor”, 1957); the promotion and assurance of the same level of compensation for men and women for work of equal value (as per ILO Convention 100 “Equal Remuneration”, 1951). 

CONTINUAL APPLICATION

Malaika New York is committed to continually implementing the social and environmental practices outlined in the Code of Conduct for the betterment of its employees and the environment. If Malaika New York ever deviates from these policies, the company promises to immediately repair the situation so that it complies with the Code of Conduct. Malaika New York’s social and environmental wellness policies, as outlined in the Code of Conduct, is to be always visible to ensure transparency for customers, suppliers, and partners. Any future suppliers of Malaika New York must understand and adhere to its contents in order to secure a working partnership.