VIOTAS Anti-Modern Slavery Statement
Our Commitment
At VIOTAS, we believe that modern slavery and human trafficking have no place in our world — and certainly no place in our business. We are firmly committed to upholding human rights, promoting ethical practices, and ensuring that no form of slavery, servitude, forced labour or human trafficking takes place within our organisation or wider operations.
Modern slavery affects an estimated 50 million people globally, including 28 million in forced labour as of 2021, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Walk Free Foundation [1].
While the energy technology sector presents a lower risk compared to other industries, we do not take this for granted. We are committed to ongoing vigilance, education, and integrity in how we operate across all jurisdictions.
Who We Are
VIOTAS is an Irish-headquartered energy technology company, operating internationally across Ireland, the United States, Poland, and Australia. We provide advanced Demand Response and grid-support solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more resilient energy system.
With an international footprint comes international responsibility. In all countries where we operate, we strive to maintain consistent and ethical employment practices, complying with both local laws and international best practices.
Ethical Employment Practices
Our core values include fairness, safety, and dignity at work. VIOTAS guarantees that:
– Employment is freely chosen.
– No forced, bonded, or involuntary labour is tolerated.
– Child labour is strictly prohibited.
– Wages, hours, and working conditions comply with applicable laws and regulations.
We uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: “No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms” [2].
We also support the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions and the UN Global Compact Principles, including:
– Principle 4: Elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour.
– Principle 5: Effective abolition of child labour [3].
Our Legal and Global Frameworks
We operate in compliance with anti-slavery and human trafficking laws in each jurisdiction, including:
– The UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 [4]
– The Australian Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) [5]
– Relevant laws in Ireland, Poland, and the United States, including anti-trafficking and labour standards laws.
Our internal policies align with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which call on businesses to respect human rights and take action to prevent abuses [6].
Working with Suppliers and Partners
We expect all suppliers and third-party partners to adhere to our ethical standards. We require our partners to operate in accordance with all applicable laws and to respect internationally recognised human rights principles.
Our contracts may include clauses explicitly forbidding modern slavery and forced labour. We reserve the right to conduct assessments and, if necessary, end relationships with non-compliant suppliers.
Staff Awareness and Reporting
Modern slavery often thrives where there is silence. At VIOTAS, we foster a culture where employees are empowered to speak up:
– Employees receive training on modern slavery awareness and how to recognise risks.
– Clear reporting mechanisms are in place to raise concerns confidentially.
– Our Code of Conduct reflects our zero-tolerance stance.
Concerns may be raised internally or directed to info@VIOTAS.com where they are handled with urgency and discretion.
Ongoing Commitment
We recognise that combating modern slavery is a continuous journey, not a one-off action. Our leadership team ensures that this issue remains a priority, with regular reviews of policy, training, and compliance procedures.
VIOTAS is committed to full transparency in reporting and will publish annual statements, in accordance with legislation such as the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, Section 54 [4].
Sources
1. Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage (2022)
2. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 4
3. UN Global Compact Labour Principles
5. Australian Modern Slavery Act 2018
