1.2 Nondiscrimination and equal opportunities for all employees

Discrimination means any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, caste, social category, beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, political opinions, age, handicap/disability, chronic noncontagious disease, HIV infection, pregnancy, membership of a disadvantaged category, as well as any other criterion which has the purpose or effect of restricting, removing recognition, use or exercise on an equal basis, human rights and fundamental freedoms or rights recognised by the law, in the political, economic, social and cultural field or in any other area of public life.

The principle of equal treatment and opportunities in work relations operates for all employees. Any direct or indirect discrimination against an employee based on the above criteria shall be prohibited. In this respect, the company undertakes to provide its employees with a pleasant working climate, free of any form of abuse, harassment or discrimination.

These principles apply in all company decisions regarding recruitment, employment, work schedule, professional development, promotion, training or benefits as well as in the company’s day-to-day activities.

Thus, the company ensures a fair selection and recruitment process (based on value, skills, justice, truth, impartiality, integrity and fairness).

The company also encourages the professional and personal development of its employees, considering them to be one of its most valuable resources.

Each employee’s career development within the organisation is also encouraged. We offer fair opportunities of promotion to those employees who achieve good results and we value those with real potential defined by: initiative, ability to find motivation in themselves, identification of solutions, proactivity, courage, passion for everyday work, collaboration, accountability and integrity.

Discrimination against any employee or job applicant is a serious violation of the company’s policy. It is the responsibility of every employee to ensure that any kind of verbal, physical, emotional, humiliation, insult, ironic comments, innuendo, insults are excluded. We want a diverse and inclusive work place with zero tolerance for any kind of harassment and intimidation of the employees and we treat these situations with the utmost responsibility. We believe that all employees should be treated and should treat their colleagues with respect, dignity and politeness.

The company managers must give equal opportunities to all employees in the coordinated team covering the following issues here: distribution of resources and tasks, professional evaluation, promotion, professional development, distribution of rewards, benefits, training.

The employees who believe that they are discriminated in any way, are encouraged to discuss this issue openly, addressing it first to their direct Manager. If the employee considers that the matter is not dealt with properly, they may approach the Manager of the Department the employee is part of and/or the Department of Human Resources (i.e., the person authorised for this purpose within the company). Any discussion of this nature will be treated responsibly, 100% confidentially and analysed, and measures will be taken, as appropriate, in compliance with the rules, internal procedures and the laws in force. The resolution of each individual case shall be communicated to the employee within a reasonable period of time by the direct manager or the person to whom they have addressed the matter.

The Company will also ensure the confidentiality of personal data relating to race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or other private data that relates to employees of the company or persons seeking employment, according to the applicable legislation in force.

For the purposes of equal opportunities for all employees, the company undertakes to ensure full transparency of general information on the policy of granting employee benefits (salary or other) in accordance with the hierarchical level and the nature of professional responsibilities (service duties).

At the same time, the company does not encourage the disclosure of information between the employees with regard to individual benefit packages granted to them. Discussions (in group or to the company management) regarding the benefits of other employees are also not encouraged.

The company’s employees are free to have their own political, religious or sexual orientation beliefs and to be active in their capacity as private individuals but not in their capacity as employees of the company.