EQUALITY & EQUAL TREATMENT POLICY

Last Updated On 20-Sept-2024

1. Commitment

VZ Lines LTD, VZ Lines Motoring school & VZ Lines Institute (MFHEA Licence Number: 2024-013) is committed to providing an equal, fair and inclusive environment in which all persons are treated with dignity, respect and without unlawful discrimination.

VZ Lines operates a ZERO-TOLERANCE policy towards discrimination, unequal treatment, harassment and victimisation.

2. Equal Treatment

Employment, recruitment, training, promotion, allocation of duties, remuneration, working conditions, disciplinary measures and termination shall be managed fairly and in accordance with applicable law.

No person shall be subjected to unlawful discrimination or treated less favourably on a prohibited or protected ground under applicable Maltese legislation.

VZ Lines is committed to ensuring that decisions are based on legitimate, objective and work-related considerations, including qualifications, competence, performance, conduct and the requirements of the role.

3. Respect and Inclusion

All employees, trainees, instructors, contractors, customers and other persons dealing with VZ Lines are expected to:

• treat others with dignity and respect;

• refrain from discriminatory, offensive or degrading behaviour;

• respect differences between individuals;

• maintain professional conduct at all times; and

• contribute to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment and intimidation.

4. Complaints and Concerns

Any person who believes that they have experienced discrimination, unequal treatment, harassment or victimisation is encouraged to raise the matter with Management or the designated person responsible for complaints.

All complaints will be taken seriously and investigated fairly and, as far as reasonably practicable, confidentially.

No person will be penalised or victimised for raising a genuine concern or participating in an investigation.

5. Breaches

Any breach of this Policy will be treated seriously and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or engagement, subject to applicable law and the appropriate procedure.

6. Management Responsibility

Management is responsible for promoting equality, preventing unlawful discrimination and taking appropriate action when concerns are raised.

VZ Lines will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, victimisation, bullying, abuse or any other conduct which undermines a person’s dignity, safety or equal treatment.

This Policy shall be read in conjunction with applicable Maltese legislation and VZ Lines’ other employment policies and procedures.