Professional Documents
Culture Documents
January 1, 2022
Introduction
Welcome to Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. (the “Company” or “SSCI”) where our vision is to be the preeminent, integrated sugar
producer in the world. This will be achieved with a deliberate focus on safety, environmental compliance and producing a quality
product. We're glad to have you with us.
Our mission is to bring appreciable value to our employees and consumers through environmental excellence and uncompromising
safety, integrity, quality, efficiency, and industry leading innovation.
We care deeply about the safety and well-being of every employee in our organization. Our goal is to achieve a zero lost time
workplace, and that each day our employees come to work with a focus on doing their job safely, always placing the highest priority
on safe work practices in everything they do.
Likewise, we are committed to 100% environmental compliance in every aspect of our operations. The success of our work and the
health of our communities depend on a healthy and sustainable environment, and we take our responsibility to comply with all
environmental laws and regulations very seriously.
Providing our customers with pure, safe, and the highest quality sugar products has always been a top priority. Uncompromising
quality means meeting quality standards across the board, day in and day out, must always be our focus.
We know our goals of achieving a safe workplace and full environmental compliance are achievable.
Our plan for achieving these goals involves three key commitments:
• Communication – Systematic and focused communication with and among employees at all levels and incorporated in
every meeting, training, shift change and event reflecting our priority of safe work practices and environmental protection.
• Engagement – Regular and meaningful engagement to bring increased focus and greater mindfulness to safety and
environmental priorities, and to highlight and celebrate employee, leadership, and operational successes.
• Responsibility and Accountability – Require demonstrated responsibility and accountability for continuous improvement in
safety performance and environmental compliance among all employees. From training new hires to conducting
performance reviews, ensuring that safe work practices and environmental compliance is the foremost criteria for
successful and continued employment.
We remain ever diligent and committed to protecting and preserving what matters most – the health and welfare of every
employee, our communities, the environment, and our quality product.
Greg Martin
Greg Martin, District Manager
Harassment includes, but is not limited to: epithets, slurs, or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts based
upon a person’s protected class; degrading jokes and display or circulation in the workplace of written or graphic material that
degrades or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group (including through e-mail).
Sexual harassment, which can consist of a wide range of unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature, is defined as any unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: submission to such conduct is
made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of an individual’s employment; submission to or rejection of such conduct by
an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual’s employment; or such conduct has the purpose or effect of
substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.
• direct and indirect suggestions that an employee's job security, job assignment, conditions of employment, or opportunities for
advancement depend in any way on the granting of sexual favors or relations;
• sexual jokes and innuendo;
• use of offensive words of a sexual nature describing body parts or the sexual act, telling "suggestive" jokes or stories, and
conversations about sexual exploits, sexual preferences, and desires;
• insulting or obscene comments or gestures;
• unwelcome sexual flirtations, propositions, and invitations to social events;
• displaying in the workplace sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons, pornographic magazines, or representations of any
action or subject which is sexual in nature, and which can be perceived as offensive (including through e-mail);
• damaging an employee's character, reputation, work effects, or property because of the person’s gender;
• other physical, verbal, or visual conduct of a sexual nature.
Reporting an Incident of Discrimination, Harassment, or Retaliation - SSCI requires that all incidents of discrimination, harassment, or
retaliation be reported immediately.
Individuals who believe they have experienced or someone else has experienced conduct that they believe is contrary to SSCI’s
Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, or Retaliation or who have concerns about such matters:
• are encouraged to tell the person engaging in such conduct or communications that the conduct or communication is
offensive, against the Company policies, and must stop (if you are comfortable doing so);
• must immediately notify advise the employee's supervisor or the Human Resource Department. This option may be
useful if the employee does not wish to communicate directly with the person whose conduct or communication is
offensive, or if direct communication has been unsuccessful. If the individual engaging in the conduct or
communication that violates the Company Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, or Retaliation is the employee's
supervisor, the employee should immediately contact the Human Resource Department. It is not sufficient to report a
complaint of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to any person other than one of these designated individuals.
If an employee becomes aware of or is subject to discrimination or harassment, the employee must immediately notify Human
Resources. The Human Resources Team is here to support all team members. Should there be any situation that a team member
feels uncomfortable, please notify Human Resources.
Any Supervisor or Manager who becomes aware of any incidents or alleged incidents of discrimination or harassment also must
immediately report the matter directly to Human Resources. Supervisors and/or Managers who receive complaints of discrimination
or harassment must consult with Human Resources before taking action. Any Supervisor or Manager who fails to report allegations
of discrimination, harassment, or any other prohibited conduct or who otherwise fails to deal properly with such allegations may be
subject to discipline, up to and including discharge.
Because the Company cannot respond to problems it is not aware of, all employees are required to report any incident
discrimination, harassment, retaliation, violence, or any other inappropriate conduct to Human Resources. If an employee believes
he or she has been victimized by, or has witnessed, discrimination, harassment, offensive conduct, or retaliation as described above,
the employee must immediately report the problem consistent with the procedure described above.
The Investigation
The Company will, upon receipt of a report or complaint alleging discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any other inappropriate
conduct, undertake an investigation consistent with the nature of the incident identified.
The investigation may include individual interviews with the parties involved and, where necessary, with individuals who may have
observed the alleged conduct or may have other relevant knowledge.
Retaliation - SSCI prohibits retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports discrimination or harassment or participates
in an investigation of such reports. Retaliation against an individual for reporting discrimination or harassment or for participating in
an investigation of a claim of harassment or discrimination is a serious violation of this Policy and, like harassment or discrimination
itself, will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. For purposes of this policy, retaliation includes any
action that is reasonably likely to dissuade an employee from engaging in such protected conduct. The Company may take
disciplinary action, up to and including termination, against an employee who knowingly makes a false complaint, lies about a
complaint, or refuses to cooperate with the Company’s investigation.
Additionally, SSCI prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports work-related injuries and illnesses. Please refer to the
Injury Reporting and Management section outlining the reporting process.
Workplace Violence
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. is strongly committed to providing a safe workplace. To that end, the Company is committed to
working with its employees to maintain a work environment that is safe, secure, and free from violence, threats of violence,
harassment, intimidation, and other disruptive behavior. All reports of incidents will be taken seriously and dealt with appropriately.
Individuals who commit such acts may be removed from the premises and may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including
termination, criminal penalties, or both.
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. does not expect employees to become experts in psychology or to physically subdue a
threatening or violent individual. Indeed, Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. specifically discourages employees from engaging in
any physical confrontation with a violent or potentially violent individual. However, Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. does
expect and encourage employees to exercise reasonable judgment in identifying potentially dangerous situations.
Experts in the mental health profession state that prior to engaging in acts of violence, troubled individuals often exhibit
one or more of the following behaviors or signs: over-resentment, anger and hostility; extreme agitation; making ominous
threats such as bad things will happen to a particular person, or a catastrophic event will occur; sudden and significant
decline in work performance; irresponsible, irrational, intimidating, aggressive or otherwise inappropriate behavior; reacting to
questions with an antagonistic or overtly negative attitude; discussing weapons and their use, and/or brandishing weapons in
the workplace; overreacting or reacting harshly to changes in Company policies and procedures; personality conflicts with co-
workers; obsession or preoccupation with a co- worker or supervisor; attempts to sabotage the work or equipment of a co-
worker; blaming others for mistakes and circumstances; or demonstrating a propensity to behave and react irrationally.
All Company employees are responsible for notifying their supervisor or Human Resources of any acts or threats of violence they
have witnessed, received, or been told that another person has witnessed or received. Even without an act or threat of violence,
employees must also report any behavior they have witnessed which they regard as threatening or violent when that behavior is job
related or might be carried out on a Company controlled site or is connected to Company employment.
• Engaging in, or threatening to engage in, an act of violence against an employee, visitor, or other person in the workplace;
• Using or possessing any weapon or firearm on SSCI property or while conducting SSCI business;
• Storing any weapon in a locker, desk, purse, or any other repository on SSCI property.
Any person who engages in, or threatens to engage in, violent acts will be removed from the premises as soon as safety permits and
shall remain off SSCI premises pending the outcome of any investigation. At that time, SSCI will determine the appropriate action to
be taken.
Each employee is responsible for reporting acts of violence or threatening behavior to his or her supervisor or the Human Resource
Department.
Employee Classifications
At the time you are hired, you are placed on probationary status and classified as either a Seasonal Employee or a Year-Round
Employee. Seasonal Classifications can change over time to include Year- R o u n d status as a result of a change in assignment,
availability of work, promotion or other circumstances. Membership in the union is required for Employees in a bargaining unit
position, subject to applicable law and provisions of the CBA.
Probationary Employee
Bargaining Unit (union) Employees are hired with a 45-day probationary period before seniority is acquired, with the
exception of Special, Technician A-1 and Technician A hires, who have a 60-day probationary period before seniority is acquired.
During this probationary period, your ability to perform the job for which you were hired is assessed, and accordingly, you
are provided with an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to carry out the job tasks and duties of your position.
Year-Round Employee
An Employee whose name is placed on the posted inter-campaign crew list by the Company at the end of the campaign is
considered a Year-Round Employee.
Rest Breaks
Non-exempt employees who work three-and-one-half (3-1/2) or more hours per day are authorized and permitted one (1) 10-
minute rest break for every four (4) hours or major fraction thereof worked. For purposes of this policy, "major fraction" means
any time greater than two (2) hours. For example, if employees work more than six (6) hours, but no more than 10 hours in a
workday, they are authorized and permitted to take two (2) 10-minute rest breaks: one (1) during the first half of a shift and a
second rest break during the second half of the shift. If employees work more than 10 hours but no more than 14 hours in a
day, they are authorized and permitted to take three (3) 10-minute rest breaks, and so on.
Rest breaks should be taken as close to the middle of each work period of four (4) hours or major fraction thereof as is
practical. Employees do not need to obtain their supervisor's approval or notify their supervisor when taking a rest break,
however, they must not leave their area unattended.
Employees are encouraged to take their rest breaks; they are not expected to and should not work during their rest breaks.
Non-exempt employees are paid for all rest break periods and do not need to clock out when taking a rest break.
Rest breaks may not be combined with another rest break or with the meal period. In addition, rest breaks may not be taken
at the beginning or end of the workday to arrive late or leave early. Each rest break must be a separate break, meeting the
requirements described above. If any work is performed during a rest break, or if the rest break is interrupted for any
work-related reason, the employee is entitled to another uninterrupted paid rest break.
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. also provides cool down rest and recovery periods as needed to prevent heat illness for
employees that perform work outdoors as required under applicable state law.
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. Union Employee Handbook 16
Meal Periods
Employees who work more than five (5) hours in a workday are provided an unpaid, off-duty meal period of at least 30
minutes. Employees are responsible for scheduling their own meal periods, but they should confirm them with their supervisor.
Meal periods must begin no later than the end of the fifth hour of work. For example, the employee who begins working at 8:00
a.m. must begin the meal period no later than 12:59 p.m. When scheduling a meal period, employees should try to anticipate
workflow and deadlines.
Employees who work more than 10 hours in a day are entitled to a second unpaid, off-duty 30- minute meal period.
Employees entitled to a second meal period should schedule their second meal period so it begins no later than before the end
of their tenth hour of work, meaning the meal period should begin after working no more than nine (9) hours, 59 minutes.
During meal periods, employees are relieved of all duty and should not work during this time. When taking a meal period,
employees should completely stop working for at least 30 minutes. Employees are prohibited from working "off the clock" during
their meal period.
Those employees who use a time clock must clock out for their meal periods. These employees are expected to clock back in and
promptly return to work at the end of any meal period. Unless otherwise directed by a supervisor in writing, employees do not need
to obtain a supervisor's approval or notify a supervisor when taking a meal period. Employees are required to immediately notify the
Human Resources Department if they believe they are being pressured or coerced by any manager, supervisor, or other employee to
not take any portion of a provided rest break or meal break.
Timekeeping Procedures
Employees must scan in and scan out to record their actual time worked for payroll and benefit purposes.
Altering, falsifying, or tampering with time records is prohibited and subjects the employee to discipline, up to and including
discharge.
Non-exempt employees may not start work until their scheduled starting time.
Any errors in the time record should be reported immediately to a supervisor, who will correct legitimate errors.
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. Union Employee Handbook 17
Overtime
Like most successful companies, Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. experiences periods of extremely high activity. During these busy
periods, additional work is required from all of us. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring business activity and requesting
overtime work if it is necessary. Effort will be made to provide employees with adequate advance notice in such situations.
Non-exempt employees will be paid overtime at the rate of time and one-half (1.5) times their normal hourly wage for all hours
worked in excess of eight (8) hours in one (1) day or 40 hours in one (1) week, or for the first eight (8) hours on the seventh (7th) day
in the same workweek.
Non-exempt employees will be paid double-time for hours worked in excess of 12 hours in any workday or in excess of eight (8) on
the seventh (7th) day of the workweek.
Employees may work overtime only with management authorization.
Employees shall not refuse to work overtime if it causes a significant disruption in operations and/or creates an unsafe working
condition, unless excused for justifiable personal reasons.
For purposes of calculating overtime for non-exempt employees, refer to the CBA.
Your Paycheck
Employees are paid bi-weekly for all the time during the past pay period. Payroll statements itemize deductions made from gross
earnings. By law, Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. is required to make deductions for Social Security, federal income tax and any other
appropriate taxes. Deductions also may include any court-ordered garnishments. Payroll statements will differentiate between
regular pay and overtime pay. If there is an error in any employee's pay, the employee should bring the matter to the attention of the
Human Resources Manager immediately so the Company can resolve the matter quickly. Pay statements are available through UKG
at https://n33.ultipro.com.
Contact the human resources department to obtain your username and temporary password.
Direct Deposit
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. strongly encourages employees to use direct deposit. Employees may add/cancel or edit direct
deposit information directly on the employee web portal (UKG) account or mobile app. Employees must contact the Human
Resource Manager to stop a direct deposit. To update direct deposit information, employees can go to UKG select Menu Myself
Direct Deposit and enter information accordingly.
Pay Advances
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. does not permit advances on paychecks or against accrued paid time off.
Record Retention
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. acknowledges its responsibility to preserve information relating to litigation, audits, and
investigations. Failure on the part of employees to follow this policy can result in possible civil and criminal sanctions against
the Company and its employees and possible disciplinary action against responsible individuals (up to and including
discharge of the employee). Each employee has an obligation to contact the Human Resources Department to inform them
of potential or actual litigation, external audit, investigation, or similar proceeding involving the Company that may have an
impact on record retention protocols.
Benefits Overview
In addition to good working conditions and competitive pay, it is Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc.'s policy to provide a
combination of supplemental benefits to all eligible employees. In keeping with this goal, each benefit program has been
carefully devised. These benefits include time-off benefits, such as vacations and holidays, and insurance and other plan
benefits. We are constantly studying and evaluating our benefits programs and policies to better meet present and future
requirements. These policies have been developed over the years and continue to be refined to keep up with changing
times and needs.
The next few pages contain a brief outline of the benefits programs Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. provides employees and
their families. Of course, the information presented here is intended to serve only as guidelines.
The descriptions of the insurance and other plan benefits merely highlight certain aspects of the applicable plans for general
information only. The details of those plans are spelled out in the official plan documents, which are available upon request from
the Human Resources Manager.
Additionally, the provisions of the plans, including eligibility and benefits provisions, are summarized in the summary plan
descriptions ("SPDs") for the plans (which may be revised from time to time). In the determination of benefits and all other
matters under each plan, the terms of the official plan documents shall govern over the language of any descriptions of the
plans, including the SPDs and this handbook.
Further, Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. (including the officers and administrators who are responsible for administering the
plans) retains full discretionary authority to interpret the terms of the plans, as well as full discretionary authority regarding
administrative matters arising in connection with the plans and all issues concerning benefit terms, eligibility, and entitlement.
While the Company intends to maintain these employee benefits, it reserves the absolute right to modify, amend, or
terminate these benefits at any time and for any reason.
If employees have any questions regarding benefits, they should contact t h e Human Resources Manager.
Paid Holidays
Spreckels Sugar Company recognizes the following (9) holidays for its Bargaining Unit Employees:
New Year's Day
President's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veteran’s Day or Day after Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
In order to be eligible for holiday pay, you must work the last regular workday prior to and the first regular workday following the
holiday, both of which must occur within two (2) weeks of the holiday. Seasonal Employees must be on active status as of the
holiday's date in order to be eligible for holiday pay.
Eligible Employees will receive eight (8) hours straight time pay for the holiday. If an eligible Employee works on a holiday,
he/she will receive holiday pay in addition to his/her normal rate of pay, including double time for any hours worked in excess
of eight hours on the holiday.
Note: Details regarding holiday pay can be found in your CBA.
• You give ample notice to the Company (your Supervisor or Manager), and
• Your vacation will not interfere with Company operations (in which case you may need to defer your vacation).
• Your vacation request is not less than 4 hours.
In the event a holiday falls on a day of your approved vacation, you will receive holiday pay instead of vacation. During inter-
campaign, you will be eligible to either extend your vacation by one day (the holiday) or receive holiday pay in lieu of the
extra day.
Note: Further details regarding vacation pay can be found in your CBA.
Sick Days
Year-Round Employees are eligible for ten (10) sick days with pay at the straight time rate each calendar year. Sick days
can be accumulated from year to year up to one hundred and ten (110) days maximum.
Newly hired seasonal employees will be eligible for 24 hours sick time hours after 90 days of employment per California labor code
246. Beginning with their second consecutive main campaign, Seasonal employees, are eligible to receive up to five (5) sick
days with pay at the straight rate each year. Sick days can be accumulated from year to year up to fifty-days (50) combined
with the Employee's current year allowance of five (5) days for a total of fifty-five (55) days maximum.
A Healthcare Provider Certification is required for any illness or injury that results in one (1) or more working days, provided
you have not exhausted your twenty-four (24) uncertified sick leave hours. It is your responsibility to provide the Healthcare
Provider Certification to a representative of Human Resources on the day you return to work. Failure to provide the Healthcare
Provider Certification will result in discipline.
Uncertified sick leave is defined as sick leave, paid or unpaid, without supporting Healthcare Provider Certification. At the start of
each calendar year, Year-Round Employees and Seasonal Employees are granted twenty-four (24) hours of uncertified sick leave.
Any sick leave benefit hours that an Employee uses above and beyond the annual uncertified sick leave hours must submit the
supporting Certification of Healthcare Provider to Human Resources in order for the Employee to receive sick leave benefit pay.
Note: Employees should consult Section VI of the CBA for more detail regarding sick leave pay.
Jury Duty
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. realizes that it is the obligation of all U.S. citizens to serve on a jury when summoned to do so.
All employees will be allowed time off to perform such civic service as required by law. Employees are expected, however, to
provide proper notice of a request to perform jury duty and verification of their service to the Human Resource Manager.
Employees also are expected to keep management informed of the expected length of jury duty service and to report to
work for the major portion of the day if excused by the court. If the required absence presents a serious conflict for
management, employees may be asked to try to postpone jury duty.
Employees on jury duty leave will be paid for their jury duty service in accordance with state law.
Witness Leave
Employees called to serve as an expert witness in a judicial proceeding on behalf of the State will be granted leave with pay.
Employees summoned to appear in court as an expert witness, but not on behalf of the State may use available vacation and
personal time to cover the period of absence. Employees subpoenaed for witness duty must notify their supervisor as soon as
possible.
Bereavement Leave
The death of a family member is a time when employees wish to be with their families. If eligible employees lose a close
relative, they will be allowed paid time off up to three (3) workdays to assist in attending to their obligations and commitments.
For the purposes of this policy, a close relative includes a spouse, domestic/civil union partner, child, parent, sibling, stepchild,
mother-in-law and father in-law, grandparents, brother or sister-in-law or any other relation required by applicable law.
Voting Leave
In the event employees do not have sufficient time outside of working hours to vote in a statewide election, employees may
take off sufficient working time to vote. This time should be taken at the beginning or end of the regular work schedule.
Employees will be allowed a maximum of two (2) hours of voting leave on Election Day without loss of pay. Where possible,
supervisors should be notified of the need for leave at least three (3) working days prior to the Election Day.
Insurance Programs
Full-time employees may participate in Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc.'s insurance programs. Under these plans, eligible
employees will receive comprehensive health and other insurance coverage for themselves and their families, as well as other
benefits.
Upon becoming eligible to participate in these plans, employees will receive summary plan descriptions (SPDs) describing the
benefits in greater detail. Please refer to the SPDs for detailed plan information. Of course, feel free to contact t h e Human
Resources Manager with any further questions.
• care for a child, spouse, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, parent-in-law or registered domestic partner, with a
serious health condition; or
• bond with a minor child within the first year of the child's birth or placement in connection with foster care or adoption;
or
• participate in a qualifying exigency related to the covered active duty or call to covered active duty of the employee's
spouse, domestic partner, child, or parent in the Armed Forces of the United States.
These benefits are financed solely through employee contributions to the PFL program. That program is solely responsible for
determining if the employee is eligible for such benefits.
If employees need to take time off work for any of the reasons set forth above, they must advise Spreckels Sugar Company,
Inc., and they will be given information about the EDD's PFL program and how to apply for benefits. Employees also may
contact their local EDD Office for further information. Employees should maintain regular contact with the Company during the
time off work so the Company may monitor the employee's return-to-work status. In addition, the employee should contact the
Company when ready to return to work so the Company may determine what positions, if any, are open.
When the employee applies for PFL benefits, the Human Resources Department will determine if the employee has any accrued
but unused vacation and sick days available. If the employee has accrued but unused time available, then the employee will be
required to use up to two (2) weeks of such time before becoming eligible for PFL benefits.
Employees taking time off work for any of the reasons set forth above are not guaranteed job reinstatement unless they
qualify for such reinstatement under federal or state family and medical leave laws.
Any time off for Paid Family Leave purposes will run concurrently with other leaves of absence, such as Family and Medical
Leave/California Family Rights Act Leave, if applicable. Please see the "Family and Medical Leave/California Family Rights Act"
policies in this handbook for eligibility requirements, if applicable.
Military Leave
If employees are called into active military service or enlist in the uniformed services, they will be eligible to receive an
unpaid military leave of absence. To be eligible for military leave, employees must provide management with advance notice of
service obligations unless they are prevented from providing such notice by military necessity or it is otherwise impossible or
unreasonable to provide such notice. Provided the absence does not exceed applicable statutory limitations, employees will
retain reemployment rights and accrue seniority and benefits in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Employees
should ask the Human Resource Manager for further information about eligibility for Military Leave.
If employees are required to attend yearly Reserves or National Guard duty, they can apply for an unpaid temporary military
leave of absence not to exceed the number of days allowed by law (including travel). They should give management as much
advance notice of their need for military leave as possible so that Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. can maintain proper coverage
while employees are away.
• disability due to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition (counts only toward FMLA leave and California
Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) leave entitlements); bonding and/or caring for a newborn child (counts toward FMLA
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. Union Employee Handbook 24
and CFRA leave entitlements); for placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care and to care for
the newly placed child (counts toward FMLA and CFRA leave entitlements);
• to care for the employee's spouse, child or parent (but not in-law) with a serious health condition; (counts toward FMLA
and CFRA leave entitlements); to care for the employee's registered domestic partner, grandparent, grandchild or
sibling with a serious health condition (counts towards CFRA entitlements only, except when grandparent, grandchild or
sibling meets FMLA definition of parent or child); for the employee's own serious health condition (excluding pregnancy)
that makes the employee unable to perform one or more of the essential functions of their job (counts toward FMLA and
CFRA leave entitlements); and/or
• because of any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the employee's spouse, registered domestic partner, son,
daughter or parent is a military member on covered active duty status (or has been notified of an impending call or
order to covered active duty status) in the Reserve component of the Armed Forces for deployment to a foreign
country in support of a contingency operation or Regular Armed Forces for deployment to a foreign country (counts
toward FMLA/CFRA leave entitlements, except that leave taken for a registered domestic partner counts towards CFRA
leave entitlement only).
• Leave to care for one's child after birth or placement for adoption or foster care must be taken within one (1) year of the
child's birth or placement.
Under the FMLA, a serious health condition is an illness, injury, impairment or physical or mental condition that involves a
period of incapacity or treatment connected with inpatient care (e.g., an overnight stay) in a medical care facility, hospice
or residential health care facility; or continuing treatment by a health care provider for a condition that either prevents the
employee from performing the functions of their job or prevents the qualified family member from participating in school or
other daily activities.
Under the CFRA, a serious health condition is an illness, injury, impairment or physical or mental condition that involves either
inpatient care in a hospital, hospice or residential health care facility, any subsequent treatment in connection with such
inpatient care or any period of incapacity; or continuing treatment by a health care provider. The CFRA defines "inpatient
care" broadly and includes a stay in a hospital, hospice or residential health care facility, any subsequent treatment in
connection with inpatient care or any period of incapacity. A person will be considered an "inpatient" when they are formally
admitted to a health care facility with the expectation that they will remain at least overnight and occupy a bed, even if the
person is ultimately discharged or transferred to another facility and does not actually remain overnight. The CFRA defines
"incapacity" as the inability to work, attend school or perform other regular daily activities due to a serious health condition, its
treatment, or the recovery that it requires.
Under the FMLA and CFRA, subject to certain conditions, the continuing treatment requirement may be met by a period of
incapacity of more than three (3) consecutive calendar days combined with at least two (2) visits to a health care provider or
one (1) visit and a regimen of continuing treatment or incapacity due to pregnancy (FMLA only) or incapacity due to a chronic
condition. Other conditions may meet the definition of continuing treatment.
Qualifying exigencies may include attending certain military events, arranging for alternative childcare, addressing certain
financial and legal arrangements, attending certain counseling sessions, caring for the parents of the military member on
covered active duty and attending post- deployment reintegration briefings.
A leave of absence in connection with a workers' compensation injury/illness or for which the employee receives disability or
State of California Paid Family Leave benefits shall run concurrently with FMLA/CFRA leave.
Additional Military Family Leave Entitlement (FMLA Only)
In addition to the basic FMLA/CFRA leave entitlement described above, an eligible employee who is the spouse, son, daughter,
parent or next of kin of a covered servicemember is entitled to take up to 26 weeks of leave during a 12-month period to care
for the servicemember with a serious injury or illness. Leave to care for a servicemember is available during a single 12-
month period and, when combined with other FMLA-qualifying leave, may not exceed 26 weeks during the single 12-month
period. The single 12-month period begins on the first day an eligible employee takes leave to care for the injured
servicemember.
• a medical condition renders them unable to perform the functions of their job;
• they are pregnant;
• they or a covered family member have been hospitalized overnight;
• they or a covered family member are under the continuing care of a health care provider;
• the leave is due to a qualifying exigency caused by a military member being on covered active duty or called to
covered active-duty status; or
• if the leave is for a family member, that the condition renders the family member unable to perform daily activities or
that the family member is a covered servicemember with a serious injury or illness.
Calling in "sick," without providing the reasons for the needed leave, will not be considered sufficient notice for FMLA/CFRA leave
under this policy. Employees must respond to the Company's lawful questions to determine if absences are potentially
FMLA/CFRA-qualifying.
If employees fail to explain the reasons for FMLA/CFRA leave, the leave may be denied. When employees seek leave due
to FMLA/CFRA-qualifying reasons for which the Company has previously provided FMLA/CFRA-protected leave, they must
specifically reference the qualifying reason for the leave or the need for FMLA/CFRA leave.
Timing of Notice
Employees must provide 30 days' advance notice of the need to take FMLA/CFRA leave when the need is foreseeable. When 30
days' notice is not possible, or the approximate timing of the need for leave is not foreseeable, employees must notify the
Company of the need for leave as soon as practicable under the circumstances. Employees who fail to give 30 days' notice
for foreseeable leave without a reasonable excuse for the delay, or otherwise fail to satisfy FMLA/CFRA notice obligations,
may have FMLA/CFRA leave delayed or denied.
Cooperating in the Scheduling of Leave
When planning medical treatment for themselves or family members or requesting to take leave on an intermittent or
reduced schedule work basis, employees must consult with the Company and make a reasonable effort to schedule
treatment so as not to unduly disrupt Company operations. Employees must consult with the Company prior to scheduling
treatment in order to work out a treatment schedule that best suits the needs of both the Company and the employees,
subject to the approval of the applicable health care provider. To the extent permitted by applicable law, when employees
take intermittent or reduced work schedule leave for foreseeable planned medical treatment for employees or family
members, including a period of recovery from a serious health condition or to care for a covered service member, the
Company may temporarily transfer employees to alternative positions with equivalent pay and benefits for which the
employees are qualified and which better accommodate recurring periods of leave.
Submit Initial Medical Certifications Supporting Need for Leave (Unrelated to Requests for Military Family Leave)
Depending on the nature of FMLA/CFRA leave sought, employees may be required to submit medical certifications supporting their
need for FMLA/CFRA-qualifying leave. As described below, there generally are three types of FMLA/CFRA medical certifications:
an initial certification, a recertification, and a return to work/fitness for duty certification.
• if the employee requests FMLA/PDL leave because of disability due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical
conditions, they must first substitute any accrued paid sick leave for unpaid family/medical leave. Employees may
make a written request to substitute accrued, unused vacation or other paid time off benefits for unpaid FMLA/PDL
leave once their sick time is exhausted.
• if the employee requests FMLA/CFRA leave because of their own serious health condition (excluding absences for
which they are receiving workers' compensation or short-term disability benefits), they must first substitute any
accrued paid vacation, or sick time off for unpaid family/medical leave.
• if the employee requests FMLA/CFRA leave to care for a covered family member with a serious health condition
(excluding absences for which they are receiving Paid Family Leave benefits), they must first substitute any accrued paid
vacation for unpaid family/medical leave. Once vacation or other paid time off is exhausted, upon their request, they
can substitute paid sick leave for unpaid FMLA/CFRA leave to care for a covered family member with a serious health
condition.
• if the employee requests FMLA/CFRA leave to bond with a newborn or newly placed child (excluding absences for
which they are receiving Paid Family Leave benefits), they must first substitute any accrued paid vacation for unpaid
leave.
For purposes of this substitution requirement, leave is not "unpaid" during any time for which the employee is receiving
compensation from the State of California under its State Disability Insurance or Paid Family Leave programs or when receiving
compensation from worker's compensation. Employees will not be required to use accrued paid leave hours during any time off
under this policy for which they are receiving compensation under these programs. However, where applicable and permitted
by law, they will be required to use paid leave accruals during any waiting periods applicable to these programs, and upon
written request, the Company will allow them to use accrued paid time off to supplement any paid workers' compensation,
disability, or Paid Family Leave benefits.
The substitution of paid time off for unpaid family/medical leave time does not extend the length of FMLA/CFRA leaves and
the paid time off runs concurrently with the FMLA/CFRA entitlement.
Pay Employee's Share of Health Insurance Premiums
As noted above, during FMLA/CFRA leave, employees are entitled to continued group health plan coverage under the same
conditions as if they had continued to work. If paid leave is substituted for unpaid family/medical leave, the Company will deduct
employees' shares of the health plan premium as a regular payroll deduction. If FMLA/CFRA leave is unpaid, employees must
pay their portion of the premium through a method determined by the Company upon leave. The Company's obligation to
maintain health care coverage ceases if the premium payment is more than 30 days late. If the payment is more than 15
days late, the Company will send a letter notifying the employee that coverage will be dropped on a specified date unless the
co-payment is received before that date.
Leave for Victims of Crime or Abuse (Including Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault or
Stalking)
Employees who are victims of a crime or abuse, including domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, may take unpaid
leave for up to 12 weeks for the following reasons:
• to seek medical attention for injuries caused by crime or abuse;
• to obtain services from a domestic violence shelter, program, rape crisis center or victim services organization or agency
as a result of the crime or abuse;
• to obtain psychological counseling or mental health services related to an experience of crime or abuse; or
• to participate in safety planning and take other actions to increase safety from future crime or abuse, including
temporary or permanent relocation.
Employees are covered as victims and entitled to leave under this policy if they are:
• a victim of stalking, domestic violence, or sexual assault;
• a victim of a crime that caused physical injury or that caused mental injury and a threat of physical injury; or
• a person whose immediate family member is deceased as the direct result of a crime.
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. may require verification from employees who request leave under this policy. Whenever possible,
employees must provide their supervisor reasonable notice before taking any time off under this policy.
Employees may substitute any accrued vacation, sick or other time off for the leave under this policy. Leave under this policy
does not extend the time allowable under the "Family and Medical Leave" policy in this handbook.
No employees will be subject to discrimination or retaliation because of their status as a victim of a crime or abuse, including
crime or abuse related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Victims of a crime or abuse, including crime or abuse
related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, may request other accommodations in the workplace such as
implementation of safety measures. Employees requesting such accommodation should notify the Human Resources Department.
Literacy Assistance
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. is committed to providing assistance to employees who require time off to participate in an adult
education program for literacy assistance. If employees need time off to attend such a program, they should inform their direct
supervisor or the Human Resources Department. The Company will attempt to make reasonable accommodations by providing
unpaid time off or an adjusted work schedule, provided the accommodation does not impose an undue hardship on the
Company. The Company will attempt to safeguard the privacy of employees' enrollment in an adult education program.
Rehabilitation Leave
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. is committed to providing assistance to our employees to overcome substance abuse problems.
The Company will reasonably accommodate any employee who wishes to voluntarily enter and participate in an alcohol or drug
rehabilitation program. This accommodation may include time off without pay or an adjusted work schedule, provided the
accommodation does not impose an undue hardship on the Company. Employees may also use accumulated sick days, if
applicable, for this purpose.
Employees should notify Human Resources if they need such accommodation. The Company will take reasonable steps to
safeguard privacy with respect to enrollment in an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program.
The amount of time off for reason #1 cannot exceed eight (8) hours in any calendar month of the year. Prior to taking leave
for reason #1 above, the employee must provide reasonable notice of the planned absence to their Supervisor. The employee
must give notice to their Supervisor when taking leave for reason #2 above.
If more than one parent of a child is employed at the same worksite, leave for the reasons above apply, at any one time,
only to the parent who first gives notice, such that another parent may take a planned absence simultaneously as to that same
child for the reasons above, but only if the parent obtains approval from their Supervisor for the requested time off.
Employees may be required to provide documentation of their participation in these activities. Parents, guardians or
grandparents with custody of schoolchildren who have been suspended also are allowed to take unpaid time off to appear at the
school pursuant to the school's request. Employees must use accrued paid time off for purposes of the leave taken under this
policy.
Time off for Volunteer Firefighters, Reserve Peace Officers & Emergency Rescue
Personnel
Employees who are volunteer firefighters, reserve peace officers or emergency rescue personnel are permitted unpaid time off,
not to exceed 14 days per calendar year, for the purpose of engaging in fire, law enforcement or emergency rescue training.
If the employees request time off under the policy they must notify their direct supervisor immediately after the need for
the leave becomes known.
Dress Code
Employees are expected to report to work well groomed, clean, and dressed according to the requirements of their position.
Some employees may be required to wear uniforms or safety equipment/clothing. Employees should contact their supervisor for
specific information regarding acceptable attire for their position. If employees report to work dressed or groomed
inappropriately, they may be prevented from working until they return to work well- groomed and wearing the proper attire.
Work Rules
Any Employee engaged in the following is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.
1. Excessive absenteeism or tardiness.
2. Reporting to work under the influence of alcoholic beverages, or drinking or possession of an alcoholic beverage on
Company property or testing positive for alcohol as provided for in the Substance Abuse Policy (see Exhibit D in the CBA.).
3. Reporting to work under the influence of a medically unauthorized controlled substance, or drug, or use, possession,
distribution or sale of the same on Company property, or testing positive for drugs as provided for in the Substance Abuse
Policy.
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. Union Employee Handbook 34
4. Disorderly conduct, provoking or participating in fights or horseplay on Company property, threatening, joking in a way that
threatens work place violence, intimidating, or interfering with the job performance of a fellow Employee.
5. Smoking in designated non-smoking areas.
6. Sleeping or malingering on the job or on company premises while being paid.
7. Leaving an assigned job or Company premises without the required authorization during work hours.
8. Failure to be at your assigned workstation or area, ready for work, at the start of your shift, and/or failure to remain at your
assigned workstation or area until you are properly relieved.
9. Failure to obey your Supervisor or Manager’s instructions, insubordination, or refusing to accept and properly and efficiently
performing your work assignments.
10. Failing to clock in/out at the start or end of your shift, as well as failing to clock in/out during meal break periods.
11. Theft, sabotage, unauthorized use, deliberate or negligent destruction, damage or waste of Company property, equipment,
merchandise or property of another Employee. This includes writing on or defacing Company property.
12. Unauthorized possession or use of any weapon while on Company property.
13. Falsification of Company documents including but not limited to time keeping records, employment applications, leave
reporting or any other Company document.
14. Any careless act that would cause any restriction of production, services, or cause delivery of out of specification sugar or
by-products.
15. Conduct or acts which would clearly reflect unfavorable on the good name and reputation or the Company.
16. Working overtime without authorization except while waiting for your relief at the end of a shift. You must remain at your
assigned workstation or area until you have been properly relieved.
17. Failure to update any change in your name, address, phone number.
18. Gambling, betting, or acting as a gambling agent while on Company property.
19. Posting or removal of any material on Company bulletin boards at any time unless specifically authorized by facility
management.
20. Creating or contributing to unsanitary conditions.
21. Bringing non-Employees onto the facility grounds without authorization.
22. Unauthorized driving or parking personal vehicles in areas other than those designated as Employee parking areas.
23. Failure to obey facility security rules, regulations, and instructions of facility security guards.
24. Failure to strictly obey fire prevention, sanitation and safety rules, safety instructions, and other Company regulations.
25. Removal of Company property from the premises without proper authorization.
26. Taking, copying, or otherwise misusing Company information, including Company records and employment/personnel
records.
27. Committing a fraudulent act or breach of trust in any circumstance.
This list provides examples of prohibited behavior, it is not all-inclusive.
Generally, the disciplinary decisions for any concerns regarding our workplace and policies are determined by the Company in its
discretion considering the facts and circumstances of each case. At some point during these discussions, if necessary, changes or
improvements have not been made, the Company may deem it appropriate to formally address the situation. Depending upon the
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. Union Employee Handbook 35
facts, disciplinary action may include verbal or written warnings, suspension without pay, or immediate termination of employment.
This is ordinarily our process for handling discipline at the Company. However, there is no progressive disciplinary process, and no
employee is guaranteed the right to receive discipline before being terminated. As you walk through the policies in this handbook,
please keep this in mind.
Below are the steps for absence related discipline for Seasonal Employees:
• 1st Point -Written Warning
• 2nd Point - 3 Day Suspension Without Pay
• 3rd Point - Termination
Note: Refer to your CBA for additional information about absences and tardiness.
Safety is a team effort, let’s strive for Zero-Lost Time by working together to keep this a safe and healthy
workplace!
Spreckels Sugar Company will comply with the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (and the California OSHA [Cal-OSHA]),
and you, as an Employee, are charged with the equal and personal responsibility of obeying the law, as well. It is our
expectation that you will utilize your knowledge of safety in your work.
An integral part of the Company's safety program is compliance with safety rules. They are for your protection. No job being
performed is so important or urgent that time cannot be taken to perform the job the right way, the safe way. It is up to you
to learn and follow safety and health work rules. It is your responsibility, as an Employee, to act at all times in a manner that
promotes safety and prevents injury to yourself and to your teammates.
• If items issued to you are not returned, or are willfully damaged or misused, you will be responsible for paying for
a replacement. You will not be allowed to work unless you are equipped with the proper personal protective
equipment and tools.
• In the event of termination, lay off, discharge or retirement, all equipment on loan must be returned t o the
storeroom in order for an Employee to be cleared by the Controller's Department.
• Failure of an Employee to present a clearance record may result in pay being held up until the proper clearance or
necessary deductions are made.
• Employees' tools which are damaged on the job, and are no longer usable for that reason, will be replaced by Company
at the Company's expense in a timely fashion; provided that the Employee furnishes the Company a certificate, or
other proof satisfactory to the Company, that such tools were damaged on the job and are of a quality equal to or
better than American made tools. See Business Expense Reimbursement policy.
• Persons working in sugar handling shall wash hands thoroughly in an adequate hand washing facility before starting to
work, after each absence from the workstation, and at any other time when the hands may become soiled or
contaminated. Spitting anywhere inside the factory or sugar warehouses is not permitted.
• Because of the possible contamination of food products, either directly or indirectly by way of contamination of food
contact surfaces or food packaging materials, the following are not allowed in any sugar handling or finished
product area: eating, beverage drinking (except water in plastic containers), food storage, use of tobacco in any
form, gum, candy, personal belongings, polished fingernails, artificial fingernails, artificial eyelashes, loose jewelry
(such as earrings, rings with raised stones or ornamentation, etc.), loose items in shirt pockets or in any portion of the
body above the waist. Also, glass containers of any type (including beverage containers) are not allowed in any facility
area. Prescribed medical bracelets and wedding rings with no stone settings are allowed provided they are properly covered
and do not pose a food safety risk.
• Disease control - no person affected by disease in a communicable form or while affected with boils, sores, infected
wounds or other abnormal sources of microbiological contamination will be allowed to work in any capacity in which
there is a reasonable possibility of sugar products, food contact surfaces and food packaging materials becoming
contaminated by such person.
• Cleanliness - all persons working in direct contact with the final production, sacking or loading of sugar products will
wear clean outer garments, maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and will conform to hygienic practices
while on duty to the extent necessary to prevent contamination of food products, food contact surfaces and food
packaging materials.
• All persons working in the bulk loading areas, bulk bins, in a packaging area, in the packaging materials storage area,
centrifugal areas, or open sugar handling equipment must wear a hair net with all hair completely covered. Any E mp loy ee
with facial hair, i.e., beard, mustache, or any combination thereof, will be required to wear a beard net in the areas
mentioned as part of this paragraph. Hairnets and beard nets can be found at the entrance of each packaging area or
warehouse entrance(s).
• If gloves are being used to handle food, food contact surfaces, or food packaging materials, they must be kept clean
and intact with no loose ends or threads.
• Any Employee who perspires heavily is asked to wear a headband or wristband to prevent contamination of food
products.
• All fans, fan blades, and protective cages located in packaging areas are to be thoroughly cleaned once a week so as
not to contaminate any food products.
• In packaging areas that have outside alternate entrances, screens and screen doors must be kept closed and intact or if
they are in use, the air handlers must be turned on, to protect against birds, rodents and insects coming into contact
with any food products, food contact surfaces and food packaging materials.
• Tank tops, drop tops or midriff shirts, sleeveless shirts, muscle shirts or torn jeans are not allowed in the factory including
sugar warehouses, any packaging area, packaging material storage areas, bulk loading areas, bulk bins and loading
dock areas.
Electronic Equipment
Cellular Phones and Other Portable Devices Policy
This policy outlines the Company’s expectations regarding the use of personal cellular phones at work, the distribution and use of
business cellular phones and other portable devices (i.e., iPad, tablet, etc.), and the safe use of cellular phones while driving. Please
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. Union Employee Handbook 40
see the Company’s policies entitled Company Property, including Computer Systems, Social Media Policy, Information Systems
Compliance and the Internet Use Policy, located in this handbook, for additional provisions governing the use of devices such as
cellular telephones.
Monitoring
The Company reserves the right, at any time and for any purpose, to access, monitor, search, record, review, and disclose the use of
its property, including its electronic and voice communication systems and equipment, and the contents of files and communications
created, sent, or received on such systems or with such equipment. For example, under this Policy, the Company may monitor and
review an employee’s email and use of the Internet on the Company’s computer system. By using the Company’s property,
employees consent to these activities by the Company. Employees have no expectation of privacy in their work areas or in anything
they create, store, send, or receive on or through the Company’s systems, equipment, or the Internet.
Authorized use
Only Company employees are authorized to use the Company’s property unless the Company approves access by other parties.
Prohibited Communications
The Company strives to maintain a working environment that encourages mutual respect and is free from all forms of discrimination,
harassment, and violence. It is your responsibility to help ensure this environment is maintained; therefore, the Company prohibits
the use of electronic devices, the Internet, and the e-mail system in ways that are disruptive, offensive to others, discriminatory,
obscene, threatening, harassing, intimidating, or harmful to morale. For example, the display or transmission of sexually explicit
images, messages, and cartoons is not allowed. Other such misuse includes, but is not limited to ethnic slurs, racial comments,
gender-specific comments, off-color jokes, or anything that may be construed as harassment or showing disrespect for others.
Electronic devices, the Internet, and the e-mail system also may not be used to solicit others for commercial ventures, religious or
political causes, outside organizations, or other non-business matters. This policy does not, however, in any way prohibit the use of
such devices to promote discussion of work conditions, wages, or other matters protected under the National Labor Relations Act.
Examples of actions that are prohibited and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination include, but are not
limited to, the following:
• Sending or posting discriminatory, harassing, or threatening messages or images
• Using the Company’s electronic devices for personal gain
• Using or disclosing someone else’s account or password without authorization
• Sending or posting confidential material, trade secrets, or proprietary information outside of the Company without an
approved, work-related reason for doing so
• Failing to observe licensing agreements
• Engaging in unauthorized transactions that may incur a cost to the Company or initiate unwanted Internet services and
transmissions
• Viewing or exchanging pornography or obscene materials
• Attempting to break into the computer system or other electronic devices of another Company or person
• Refusing to cooperate with a security investigation or obstructing a security investigation
• Using the computer for gambling
• Jeopardizing the security of the Company’s electronic communications systems
• Sending or posting messages that disparage another company
• Passing off personal views as representing those of the Company
• Loading personal software without permission
• Engaging in any illegal activities
• Engaging in any other computer or Internet-related activity determined by the Company to be inappropriate or
unacceptable.
Receiving or downloading and sending or uploading of proprietary information is prohibited without prior specific, express
authorization from your manager. Such information includes copyrighted materials, trade secrets, proprietary financial information,
proprietary customer and vendor information, or other similar materials. The unauthorized use, installation, copying, or distribution
of copyrighted, trademarked, or patented material on the Internet is expressly prohibited. As a general rule, if an employee did not
create material, does not own the rights to it, or has not received authorization for its use, the employee should not post this
material on the Internet or transmit it through the e-mail system.
Internet Postings
Employees must receive specific, express permission before posting any messages on behalf of or officially in the name of the
Company on any public posting forum on the Internet.
Anti-Virus Protections
Employees should take all anti-virus precautions prescribed by the Company. Employees may not attempt to bypass or disable any
anti-virus precautions installed on Company computers.
Cyber Security Training
The Company takes Cyber Security seriously. One of the tools used to maintain a safe and secure information technology
environment is monthly user training and testing. Team awareness and education are key preventative factors to a secure
environment. All employees with Company email addresses must complete the assigned Cyber Security trainings from our partner
KnowBe4.
The equipment and technology provided to the Company’s employees remain at all times the property of the Company. To ensure
compliance with this policy, the Company reserves the right to monitor Internet traffic, and retrieve and read any data composed,
sent, or received through our computers and stored in our computer systems. All data that is composed, transmitted, or received via
our computer system is considered to be part of the official records of the Company and, as such, is subject to disclosure to law
enforcement or other third parties.
Inspections
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. reserves the right to require employees while on Company property, or on client property, to
agree to the inspection of their persons, personal possessions and property, personal vehicles parked on Company or client
property, and work areas. This includes lockers, vehicles, desks, cabinets, workstations, packages, handbags, briefcases and
other personal possessions or places of concealment, as well as personal mail sent to the Company or to its clients. Employees are
expected to cooperate in the conduct of any reasonable search or inspection.
Smoking
The use of tobacco products and smokeless tobacco is prohibited in all areas of the facility except those that have been
designated as smoking areas. Spreckels Sugar Company includes company vehicles as "places of employment". Your failure to
follow the smoking and smokeless tobacco rules can lead to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.
Bulletin Boards
Important notices and items of general interest are continually posted on Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. bulletin boards.
Employees should make it a practice to review bulletin boards frequently. This will assist employees in keeping up with what is
current at Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. To avoid confusion, employees should not post or remove any material from the
bulletin board.
• holding an interest in or accepting free or discounted goods from any organization that does, or is seeking to do,
business with the Company, by any employee who is in a position to directly or indirectly influence either the
Company's decision to do business, or the terms upon which business would be done with such organization;
• holding any interest in an organization that competes with the Company;
• being employed by (including as a consultant) or serving on the board of any organization which does, or is seeking
to do, business with the Company or which competes with the Company; and/or
• profiting personally, e.g., through commissions, loans, expense reimbursements or other payments, from any
organization seeking to do business with the Company.
A conflict of interest would also exist when a member of the employee's immediate family is involved in situations such as those
above.
This policy is not intended to prohibit the acceptance of modest courtesies, openly given and accepted as part of the usual
business amenities, for example, occasional business-related meals or promotional items of nominal or minor value.
It is the employee's responsibility to report any actual or potential conflict that may exist between the employee (and the
employee's immediate family) and the Company.
References
The Human Resource Department will respond to reference requests. The Company will provide general information concerning
the employee such as date of hire, termination date, and positions held. Requests for reference information must be in writing,
and responses will be in writing. Please refer all requests for references to the Human Resources Department.
This Employee Handbook is an important document intended to help employees become acquainted with Spreckels Sugar
Company, Inc. This document is intended to provide guidelines and general descriptions only; it is not the final word in all cases.
Individual circumstances may call for individual attention.
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. (SSCI) is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and
applicants. SSCI does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic
information, veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, sexual orientation (perceived or actual),
pregnancy, or any other protected status under applicable law. The Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled
applicants and employees as required by law. This policy applies to all areas of employment including recruitment, hiring, training,
promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, and social and recreational programs.
SSCI will comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to safety, health, food defense, and environmental quality. SSCI will work
to reduce waste, minimize the use of hazardous materials, and take appropriate steps to ensure worker, product, and community safety.
It is the policy of Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. to maintain safe working conditions for the protection and good health of all
employees and visitors. The Company must comply with the Federal and State Occupational Safety and Health Administration
regulations, and you, as an employee, are charged with obeying the law also.
An integral part of the Company is maintaining a working environment that encourages mutual respect and is free from all forms of
harassment and violence. In addition, we need to ensure the Company policies, procedures, and practices are adhered to. We strive
for zero lost time in the workplace and create a safe work environment by developing a culture of cleanliness and safety. In doing so,
it is important to note that no job performed by an employee is so urgent that time cannot be taken to perform the job the right
way…the safe way.
It is our hope that all employees will utilize their knowledge gained in this handbook in both their work and home environments. In
this way, you will benefit the Company, your family, and yourself. Bring safety home!
This employee handbook supersedes the provisions of all other previous employee handbooks.
Please read the following statements and sign below to indicate your receipt and acknowledgment of this Handbook.
• I have received and read a copy of Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc.'s Employees Handbook. I understand that the policies,
rules, and benefits described in it are subject to change at the sole discretion of the Company at any time.
• I understand that the Handbook is not an employment contract but does provide the organizational employment policies
and procedures by which I am governed.
• I further understand that my employment is terminable at will, either by myself or the Company, with or without cause
or notice, regardless of the length of my employment or the granting of benefits of any kind.
• I understand that no representative of Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. other than District Manager may alter "at will"
status and any such modification must be in a signed writing.
• I understand that my signature below indicates that I have read and understand the above statements and that I have
received a copy of the Company's Employee Handbook.
• I agree to comply with the guidelines, policies, and procedures of Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. and understand that failure
to comply with Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc.’s policies, procedures and practices may result in the termination of my
employment.
By signing this statement, I understand and consent to SSCI’s right to access, monitor, and retrieve emails, computer files, Internet
records, and any other information contained on or within SSCI’s computer system at any time at SSCI’s sole discretion. I also
understand that this Handbook does not create a contract of employment between SSCI and me.
Print Name
Dated
Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc. does not tolerate and prohibits discrimination, harassment or retaliation of or against job
applicants, contractors, interns, volunteers or employees by another employee, supervisor, vendor, customer or any third party on
the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical
conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), national origin, ancestry,
marital status, protected medical condition as defined by state law (including cancer or genetic characteristics), physical or mental
disability, military and veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or
local laws and ordinances. The Company is committed to a workplace free of discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
Our management team is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy as it applies to all terms and conditions of
employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities
and general treatment during employment.
Discrimination Defined
Discrimination under this policy means treating differently or denying or granting a benefit to an individual because of the
individual's protected characteristic.
Harassment Defined
Harassment is defined in this policy as unwelcome verbal, visual or physical conduct creating an intimidating, offensive or hostile
work environment that interferes with work performance.
Harassment can be verbal (including slurs, jokes, insults, epithets, gestures or teasing), visual (including offensive posters, symbols,
cartoons, drawings, computer displays or emails) or physical conduct (including physically threatening another, blocking
someone's way, etc.) that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of any protected characteristic.
Such conduct violates this policy, even if it is not unlawful. Because it is difficult to define unlawful harassment, employees are
expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with the intended purpose of this policy.
Sexual Harassment Defined
Sexual harassment can include all of the above actions, as well as other unwelcome conduct, such as unwelcome or unsolicited
sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, conversations regarding sexual activities and other verbal or physical conduct of a
sexual nature. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome or unwanted conduct which is either of a sexual nature or which is directed
at an individual because of that individual's sex when:
• submission to that conduct or to those advances or requests is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of
an individual's employment; or
• submission to or rejection of the conduct or advances or requests by an individual is used as the basis for employment
decisions affecting the individual; or
• the conduct or advances or requests have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work
performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.
Examples of conduct that violate this policy includes, but is not limited to:
• unwelcome or unwanted sexual advances, flirtations, advances, leering, whistling, touching, pinching, assault, blocking
normal movement;
• requests for sexual favors or demands for sexual favors in exchange for favorable treatment; obscene or vulgar gestures,
posters or comments;
• sexually explicit emails, text messages or voicemails; uninvited touching of a sexual nature;
• unwelcome or unwanted sexually related comments; conversation about one's own or someone else's sex life;
• conduct or comments consistently targeted at only one gender, even if the content is not sexual; and
• teasing or other conduct directed toward a person because of the person's gender.
Retaliation Defined
Retaliation means adverse conduct taken because an individual reported an actual or perceived violation of this policy, opposed
practices prohibited by this policy or participated in the reporting and investigation process described below. "Adverse conduct"
includes but is not limited to:
• shunning and avoiding an individual who reports harassment, discrimination or retaliation; express or implied threats or
intimidation intended to prevent an individual from reporting harassment, discrimination or retaliation; and
• denying employment benefits because an applicant or employee reported harassment, discrimination or retaliation or
participated in the reporting and investigation process described below.
All discrimination, harassment and retaliation is unacceptable in the workplace and in any work-related settings such as business trips
and business-related social functions, regardless of whether the conduct is engaged in by a supervisor, co-worker, client, customer,
vendor or other third party.
Reporting Procedures
The following steps have been put into place to ensure the work environment is respectful, professional and free of discrimination,
harassment and retaliation. If the employee believes someone has violated this policy or the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy,
the employee should promptly bring the matter to the immediate attention of Human Resources Manager. (Phone numbers are
available through the Company directory.) If this individual is the person toward whom the complaint is directed the employee
should contact any higher-level manager in the reporting chain. If the employee makes a complaint under this policy and has not
received a satisfactory response within five (5) business days, District Manager should be contacted immediately. (Phone numbers
are available through the Company directory.)
Every supervisor who learns of any employee's concern about conduct in violation of this policy, whether in a formal complaint or
informally, must immediately report the issues raised to Human Resources Manager.
Investigation Procedures
Upon receiving a complaint, the Company will promptly conduct a fair and thorough investigation into the facts and circumstances of
any claim of a violation of this policy or the Equal Employment Opportunity policy. To the extent possible, the Company will endeavor
to keep the reporting employee's concerns confidential. However, complete confidentiality may not be possible in all circumstances.
During the investigation, the Company generally will interview the complainant and the accused, conduct further interviews as
necessary and review any relevant documents or other information. Upon completion of the investigation, the Company shall
determine whether this policy has been violated based upon its reasonable evaluation of the information gathered during the
investigation. The Company will inform the complainant and the accused of the results of the investigation.
The Company will take appropriate corrective measures against any person who it finds to have engaged in conduct in violation of
this policy, if the Company determines such measures are necessary. These measures may include, but are not limited to, counseling,
suspension or immediate termination.
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