Outsourcing Fairness and Worker Rights Policy

Policy Statement

An-Najah National University is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in labor practices and ensuring that the rights of all workers, whether directly employed by the university or through third-party service providers, are fully protected. The university mandates that all outsourced activities adhere to the same principles of fairness, equity, and respect for human rights that govern its internal operations.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear framework for ensuring that when the university outsources activities to third-party entities, the rights of workers are guaranteed to be equivalent to those of An-Najah National University employees. This policy reinforces the university’s dedication to ethical labor practices, social responsibility, and compliance with national and international labor standards.

Scope

This policy applies to all outsourcing activities undertaken by An-Najah National University, including contracts, agreements, and partnerships with third-party entities, service providers, and contractors. It encompasses all stages of the outsourcing process, from initial selection and contracting to ongoing monitoring and compliance.

Principles

The following principles guide the university’s approach to outsourcing and worker rights:

1. Equality and Non-Discrimination: The university is committed to ensuring that all workers, including those employed by third-party service providers, are treated with dignity and respect. Outsourced workers must enjoy the same rights and protections as university employees, including fair treatment, non-discrimination, and equal opportunity.
2. Equivalent Working Conditions: Third-party service providers are required to guarantee working conditions for their employees that are equivalent to those of An-Najah National University employees. This includes ensuring fair wages, reasonable working hours, safe and healthy working conditions, and access to appropriate benefits.
3. Ethical Labor Standards: The university will only engage with third-party service providers that demonstrate a commitment to ethical labor practices. This includes adherence to national and international labor laws, conventions, and standards, such as those set by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
4. Transparency and Accountability: The university insists on transparency in all outsourcing agreements, with clear contractual obligations for third-party providers to uphold the rights of their workers. Accountability mechanisms will be put in place to ensure compliance with these obligations.

Procedures

1. Due Diligence and Selection:
   • The university will conduct thorough due diligence when selecting third-party service providers. This includes evaluating their labor practices, track record in upholding workers' rights, and compliance with relevant labor laws and standards.
   • Providers who fail to meet the university's standards for worker rights and ethical labor practices will be disqualified from consideration.
2. Contractual Provisions:
   • All contracts with third-party service providers will include explicit clauses that require adherence to the university’s standards for worker rights and conditions.
   • Contracts will outline the specific rights to be guaranteed, including fair wages, working hours, occupational safety, and non-discrimination.
   • Providers will be required to submit regular reports demonstrating compliance with these contractual provisions.
3. Monitoring and Compliance:
   • The university will establish a robust monitoring system to ensure that third-party service providers comply with the equivalent rights and conditions stipulated in their contracts.
   • Regular audits and inspections will be conducted to verify that labor standards are being upheld.
   • Providers found to be in violation of the policy will be subject to corrective action, which may include contract termination.
4. Reporting and Whistleblowing Mechanisms:
   • An-Najah National University will maintain clear and accessible reporting mechanisms for workers and stakeholders to report any concerns or violations related to outsourced labor practices.
   • Reports can be submitted to the Vice President for Administrative Affairs Office, with the option for anonymity to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.
5. Investigation and Remediation:
   • The university commits to conducting impartial and thorough investigations of all reported violations of this policy.
   • In cases where violations are confirmed, the university will work with the third-party provider to ensure immediate remediation and may impose penalties or terminate the contract if necessary.
6. Continuous Improvement:
   • The university will regularly review and update this policy to ensure it remains aligned with best practices in labor rights and outsourcing.
   • Feedback from stakeholders, including workers and third-party providers, will be considered in these reviews to improve the effectiveness of the policy.

Review and Amendment

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. Amendments will be made as necessary to address changes in labor laws, industry standards, or university practices.

Effective Date: December 12, 2023

Review Date: Jun 18, 2024