A. Conflict of Interest politika
It is essential that Birlik Galvaniz employees avoid situations that may create conflicts of interest. Not using the company’s resources, name, identity, or power for personal benefit, and avoiding situations that may negatively affect the company’s name and image, are among the most important responsibilities for all employees. The following implementation principles determine the situations in which employees may encounter conflicts of interest while fulfilling their duties or in their private lives due to business relationships, and the principles that must be applied in such situations.
Implementation Principles
1. Activities That May Create a Conflict of Interest
All Company employees must fully comply with the listed activities below that would create a conflict of interest, as well as the specified principles. Birlik Galvaniz carries out any necessary efforts to encourage its employees to adhere to these principles.
1-1 Engaging in Activities That May Create a Conflict of Interest
Employees must not, under any circumstances, enter into a reciprocal or unrequited business relationship providing mutual benefits with family members, friends, or any other third parties with whom they are in contact. For example, an employee with purchasing authority should avoid doing business with a supplier where a family member works.
It is essential that Birlik Galvaniz employees do not engage in activities, either directly or indirectly, that would cause them to be considered a “trader” or “shopkeeper,” nor perform, under any name and at any time (whether during or outside working hours), paid work or similar tasks for another person and/or organization. However, employees may work for another person (family member, friend, or other third parties) and/or organization for a wage or similar benefit outside working hours under the following conditions:
Birlik Galvaniz employees may not serve as board members or auditors in companies outside of the partnerships established by Birlik Galvaniz without the approval of the Company Board of Directors; nor may they take a position in a competing company or a company with which Birlik Galvaniz has a business relationship. In nonprofit organizations and universities, provided it does not interfere with their duties within the Company, they may serve in roles related to social responsibility and charitable purposes with the written approval of management.
Managers in a position to make hiring decisions cannot hire their spouses, close relatives, or those close to these individuals.
Birlik Galvaniz employees may individually and voluntarily be active in any political party. Managers cannot ask employees to engage in political work or join a party.
Employees may perform duties in any political party under the following conditions and with the written approval of management:
1-2 Abuse of Authority
Employees must not engage in acts and behaviors that are unethical, illegal, or against Company discipline.
1-3 Use of Resources
In resource usage on behalf of the Company, Company interests are considered. Under no circumstances, for any name, person, or benefit, can Company assets, facilities, or personnel be used outside the Company without a Company interest. The principle of savings must be applied by all personnel in every aspect.
Proper use of resources for the benefit of the Company also requires effective time management. During working hours, Company employees must use their time efficiently and not allocate time for personal matters. Managers cannot assign employees tasks for their personal affairs.
Employees must ensure that meetings with visitors are completed within a reasonable time in connection with the purpose of the visit and without disrupting workflow.
1-4 Relations with Other Persons and/or Organizations with Whom the Company Has Business Relations
Employees cannot engage in private business relationships with Company customers, subcontractors, suppliers, or other persons and/or organizations with whom the Company has business relations. They cannot borrow money, receive goods, or obtain services for personal purposes.
In relationships with customers, the following principles must be observed: No transaction can be conducted without the customer’s knowledge, even if it benefits the customer. The Company must not exploit customer weaknesses or provide incomplete or misleading information for profit.
Company personnel cannot request, imply, or accept any gift, money, check, property, free vacation, special discounts, etc., that could place Companies under obligation from persons or organizations with whom the Company has business relations. Personal assistance or donations from individuals or organizations in business relationships with the Company are not allowed. The Gift Acceptance and Giving politika applies to this matter.
1-5 Representation of the Company
Any fees accrued for duties performed in associations, employer unions, and similar civil society organizations representing the Company must be donated to the relevant institution or the channels designated by the institution.
Payments received by Company employees from third parties for seminar speaking or similar services must also be donated to the relevant institution or channels designated by the institution. However, symbolic awards such as plaques, given as a memento of the event, may be accepted.
B. Gift Acceptance and Giving politika
It is essential that Birlik Galvaniz and its employees do not accept gifts or benefits that could influence their impartiality, decisions, and behaviors, nor engage in actions to provide such gifts or benefits to third parties and organizations. The following implementation principles regulate the exchange of gifts in business relationships and establish applicable guidelines.
Implementation Principles
Gifts, benefits, vacations, discounts, etc., other than those specified above, must comply with the conditions stated in Section 2. If the total value of gifts received from a single person/institution within a calendar year does not exceed the value of half a gold coin (yarım cumhuriyet altını), approval is not required.
Receiving or giving a gift or benefit explicitly or implicitly tied to a return favor is prohibited.
Bribery and/or commissions, whether giving, receiving, or offering, are never acceptable.
Birlik Galvaniz employees are prohibited from accepting cash, loans, covering travel expenses, event costs, or similar payments from subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, competitors, or customers.
The types of gifts and promotional materials that Birlik Galvaniz may give to customers, dealers, and other business partners must be approved by the Company's senior management. Once approved, no additional permission is required for distribution.
Provided they comply with the conditions in Section 2, the Company may accept suitable products and services as gifts and may provide products or services that align with the recipient’s culture and ethical values with the knowledge and approval of the Company’s senior management.
In exceptional cases where local cultural values require reciprocal gift-giving beyond the Company’s politika, such gifts can only be accepted on behalf of the Company with senior management approval. In all cases, gift exchanges must comply with local cultural norms.
C. Confidential Information Protection politika
Implementation Principles
Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, Company trademarks, intellectual property, databases, printed communication materials, processes, advertisements, product packaging and labels, marketing, product, and technical plans, business strategies, strategic partnerships and partner information, financial information, personnel information, customer lists, product designs, know-how, specifications, identities of potential and actual customers, and supplier information. It encompasses all written, graphical, or machine-readable information.
The following principles apply to confidential information:
Such information cannot be disclosed to third parties unless required by regulatory authorities or legal obligations.
Such information cannot be altered, copied, or destroyed. Necessary precautions are taken to keep information secure, protected, and undisclosed. Any modifications to the information are recorded with historical tracking.
Confidential files cannot be taken outside the institution. If confidential information must be taken outside, approval must be obtained from the responsible party or senior management.
Passwords, user codes, and similar identifiers used to access Company information must be kept confidential and not disclosed to unauthorized users.
False statements or gossip about individuals or institutions are not allowed.
Personal information regarding employee salaries, benefits, and other personnel records is confidential and cannot be disclosed to anyone other than authorized personnel.
D. Creating and Maintaining a Fair Working Environment politika
Birlik Galvaniz considers creating and maintaining a fair working environment as one of its top priorities. The goal is to enhance employee success, development, and commitment by ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, fairness, respect for employees, and a safe and healthy work environment. The following principles define the key guidelines for establishing and maintaining a fair working environment within the Company.
Implementation Principles
Company practices comply with all employment-related laws and regulations. Employees must also fulfill all legal requirements within their scope of work.
Birlik Galvaniz HR policies and practices ensure fairness in hiring, promotions, transfers, salary structure, rewards, and social benefits.
Discrimination based on language, race, color, gender, political opinion, belief, religion, sect, age, physical disability, or similar reasons is not acceptable. Facilities for employees to practice their religious duties will be provided.
A cooperative, positive, and harmonious work environment will be established to prevent conflicts and enable individuals with different beliefs, thoughts, and perspectives to work together smoothly.