Effective Date: July 11, 2025
Unum requires all entities providing goods or services to us—including vendors, service providers, and contractors (collectively referred to as “Suppliers”) – to operate with the highest integrity and to adhere to sound ethical standards. This document, the Ethical Business Practices Guide for Suppliers (“Guide”), outlines the minimum standards expected by Unum. It is intended to complement each Supplier’s internal policies, legal obligations, and contractual agreements with Unum.
- Legal Compliance
Suppliers must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and government directives relevant to their business operations in Vietnam. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with the Law on Enterprises, Labour Code, Law on Environmental Protection, Law on Anti-Corruption, and the Law on Cybersecurity and Law on Protection of Personal Data (2023).
- Commitment to Labour and Human Rights
Unum supports human rights and fair treatment of all individuals. Suppliers must uphold this commitment by implementing policies that protect labor rights and promote ethical treatment throughout their supply chains. Key principles include:
- Voluntary Labour: Suppliers shall not engage in any form of forced or involuntary labor, including modern slavery and human trafficking. Full compliance with Vietnamese laws regarding forced labor and anti-human trafficking is required.
- Fair Compensation and Work Standards: Suppliers must provide compensation, benefits, and working hours that meet or exceed legal requirements and prevailing industry standards in Vietnam.
- Respectful Workplace: Suppliers must cultivate a workplace environment free from harassment, discrimination, and abuse. Employment decisions must be based on merit, skills, and performance.
- Safe and Healthy Working Conditions: Suppliers are expected to provide a workplace that complies with Vietnam’s occupational health and safety laws, ensuring the well-being of all workers.
- Upholding Ethical Standards
Unum expects the highest ethical behavior in all interactions. Suppliers must:
- Business Integrity: Prohibit bribery, corruption, extortion, embezzlement, and facilitation payments. Adherence to Vietnam’s Anti-Corruption Law is mandatory.
- Protection of Intellectual Property: Respect the intellectual property rights of Unum and others. Unauthorized use of Unum’s name, logo, or branding is prohibited.
- Data Protection and Security: Suppliers who handle personal or proprietary data must comply with Vietnam’s Law on Protection of Personal Data (2023). Appropriate security safeguards must be in place to prevent data breaches or unauthorized access.
- Accurate Financial Records: Suppliers must maintain accurate, complete, and transparent records of all transactions.
- Gifts and Hospitality: Suppliers must avoid offering any gifts or hospitality that could be perceived as creating an unfair advantage. All such interactions must align with Unum’s policies.
- Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest: Suppliers must disclose any potential or actual conflicts of interest, such as close relationships with Unum employees involved in procurement or business decisions.
- Environmental Responsibility
Suppliers must demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. This includes:
- Minimizing negative environmental impacts of operations.
- Complying with all relevant Vietnamese environmental regulations.
- Promoting energy efficiency, waste reduction, and eco-friendly practices.
- Confidential Information
Suppliers are expected to protect all confidential information received from Unum. This includes business strategies, pricing, personal data, and any other non-public information. Disclosure is only permitted when authorized in writing by Unum or required by Vietnamese law. Confidential information must be used solely for business purposes in line with Unum’s objectives.
- Raising Concerns
Unum encourages Suppliers to report any concerns or suspected violations of this Guide or unethical behavior. Reports may be submitted to the designated Unum contact or through [Unum’s Compliance Reporting Mechanism]. Unum is committed to reviewing all reports fairly and protecting individuals who report in good faith from retaliation.
- Enforcement and Review
Unum reserves the right to monitor and assess Supplier compliance with this Guide. We may suspend or terminate relationships with Suppliers who fail to meet these standards. Unum may revise this Guide periodically and will provide updates to all relevant parties.