Protection of Right of Contract/Third Party Workers

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Redeemer's University Policy on Protecting Workers' Rights in Outsourced Activities

Policy Updated: 2022

Policy Reviewed: 2024

Purpose:

Redeemer’s University is committed to ensuring that the rights and dignity of all workers, including those employed by third-party contractors and service providers, are protected and respected. This policy outlines the university’s commitment to guaranteeing fair treatment, safe working conditions, and the protection of labor rights when outsourcing activities to third-party vendors or service providers. As a Christian institution founded on principles of justice, integrity, and compassion, Redeemer’s University expects all third-party partners to align with these values and operate in compliance with national labor laws and international standards.

Scope:

This policy applies to all third-party contractors, vendors, and service providers engaged by Redeemer’s University to perform any outsourced activities. It covers all outsourced workers who may be engaged in activities related to construction, maintenance, cleaning, security, catering, and other services provided to the university. The policy sets clear expectations for third-party partners regarding the treatment of their employees and ensures that workers' rights are protected in accordance with local and international labor standards.



Policy Statement:

Redeemer’s University guarantees that all workers, including those employed by third-party contractors and service providers, will be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. When outsourcing activities, the university commits to working only with partners who adhere to the following standards:

  1. Fair Wages: All workers engaged in outsourced activities must be paid at least the local living wage, ensuring that they can meet basic needs and maintain a decent standard of living. Contractors must comply with all national minimum wage laws and ensure that workers are compensated fairly for their work.
  2. Safe Working Conditions: Third-party contractors must provide safe and healthy working environments for their employees. This includes adhering to all occupational safety and health regulations, providing necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensuring that the workplace is free from hazards. Redeemer’s University will only engage contractors who prioritize the safety and well-being of their workers.
  3. No Forced or Compulsory Labor: Under no circumstances will Redeemer’s University tolerate the use of forced labor, modern slavery, or human trafficking in any of its outsourced activities. All work must be undertaken voluntarily, and workers must have the freedom to terminate their employment in accordance with applicable laws and contract terms.
  4. Non-Discrimination: Contractors and service providers must treat all workers fairly and without discrimination based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. The university requires third parties to maintain a workplace free of harassment, inequality, and discrimination.
  5. No Child Labor: Redeemer’s University strictly prohibits the use of child labor in any outsourced activities. All workers must meet the minimum legal working age as set by Nigerian law and international labor standards. Contractors must comply with all laws regulating youth employment and ensure that no young worker is exposed to harmful or hazardous work.
  6. Right to Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining: Workers employed by third-party contractors have the right to form and join trade unions or other associations of their choosing. They also have the right to engage in collective bargaining to protect their interests. Redeemer’s University expects all third-party partners to respect these rights and not engage in activities that would undermine workers' freedom to organize.


Obligations of Third-Party Contractors:

All third-party contractors and service providers engaged by Redeemer’s University are required to adhere to the following obligations:

  1. Compliance with National and International Labor Laws: Contractors must operate in full compliance with all relevant labor laws and regulations in Nigeria, as well as applicable international standards, including those set forth by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
  2. Contractual Agreement: Every contractor or service provider must enter into a formal agreement with Redeemer’s University, which includes a commitment to uphold workers' rights as outlined in this policy. Failure to comply with these standards will result in contract termination and may lead to legal consequences.
  3. Monitoring and Reporting: Contractors must regularly report to the university on the status of their labor practices and confirm that they are in compliance with this policy. The university reserves the right to conduct audits and inspections to verify that contractors are upholding the required labor standards.
  4. Worker Grievance Mechanisms: Contractors must provide their workers with accessible grievance mechanisms to raise concerns related to working conditions, wages, or any form of mistreatment. All grievances must be addressed in a timely, fair, and transparent manner. Redeemer’s University will monitor that workers’ complaints are handled appropriately.


University Responsibilities:

  1. Due Diligence and Contractor Selection: Redeemer’s University will conduct thorough due diligence when selecting third-party contractors and service providers. This includes evaluating the contractor’s labor practices, commitment to fair wages, and history of compliance with labor laws. Contractors with a record of poor treatment of workers or failure to comply with labor standards will not be engaged.
  2. Monitoring and Enforcement: The university will regularly monitor the performance of its contractors to ensure they are in compliance with this policy. Monitoring activities may include site inspections, worker interviews, and audits of wage and employment records. Any violation of this policy will result in corrective action, up to and including contract termination.
  3. Worker Advocacy and Support: In cases where outsourced workers experience violations of their rights, Redeemer’s University is committed to providing support and advocacy. The university will work with contractors to resolve issues and, where necessary, provide workers with access to legal support and assistance.


Reporting Violations:

Any employee, worker, or third party who becomes aware of violations of this policy is encouraged to report the matter to the university’s Human Resources Department or the Ethics Office. Reports will be treated confidentially, and the university will take immediate steps to investigate and address any issues. There will be no retaliation against anyone who reports a violation of this policy in good faith.



Training and Awareness:

Redeemer’s University will provide regular training to its own staff involved in procurement, contracting, and outsourcing to ensure they understand the importance of safeguarding workers' rights. The university will also ensure that third-party contractors are made aware of their obligations under this policy and are provided with the necessary guidance to comply with the university’s labor standards.



Disciplinary Action:

Failure by any third-party contractor or service provider to comply with this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action, which may include termination of the contract and legal proceedings. Redeemer’s University reserves the right to take swift action to protect workers' rights and maintain the integrity of its operations.



Conclusion:

Redeemer’s University is committed to maintaining high ethical standards in all its operations, including those carried out by third-party contractors and service providers. By ensuring that the rights of all workers involved in outsourced activities are respected, the university upholds its values of fairness, justice, and respect for human dignity. We call on all contractors and partners to join us in this commitment and work together to create an ethical and sustainable work environment.

For further information or questions about this policy, please contact the Human Resources Department.

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