ITU AbsorbTech Employee Handbook

decisions such as hiring, promotion, pay, or termination; or • The conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

None of the information provided in our policies signifies a contractual agreement or should be interpreted to conflict with, eliminate or modify in any way your employment-at-will status with the Company. No written or oral statements made to the employee are to be interpreted to alter the at-will relationship between the employee and the Company. No individual (except for Jim Leef, the President of ITU AbsorbTech) can approve any kind of contractual agreement. Should a contractual agreement be signed by Jim Leef, it must also be notarized in order to be applicable. 206 Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) Poli- cy Statement ITU AbsorbTech is committed to equal employment opportunity for employees and candidates for employment. We support and will cooperate in the implementation of applicable equal opportunity laws and executive orders in all of our employment policies, practices and decisions. ITU AbsorbTech does not discriminate against anyone based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability status or any other trait that is protected under local, state or federal law. In addition, we do not allow discrimination of any kind in the workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and also take affirmative measures against discrimination in all aspects of employment and Company business. This policy applies not only to personnel decisions, but to all aspects of business.

accommodation rights, please see Human Resources. 204 Anti-Harassment Policy The Company condemns and prohibits harassment of an individual for reasons including, without limitation, that individual’s race, religion, color, creed, national origin, age, sex, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, local law or ordinance. It is the policy of the Company and the law that all employees should be able to enjoy a work environment free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual harassment. Acts of discrimination by supervisors or co-workers, including sexual harassment, are strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Sexual harassment is a form of misconduct that undermines the integrity of the employment relationship. No employee, either male or female should be subjected to unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtures or conduct. Sexual harassment refers to behavior that is not welcome, that is personally offensive, that lowers morale and that, therefore, interferes with our work effectiveness. Sexual harassment is defined by the following criteria: • Submission to the conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment; • Submission to or rejection of the conduct by the individual is used or threatened to be used as the basis for employment

policy may also be personally liable in any legal action brought against him or her.

Bullying in the Workplace. Bullying is a form of harassment, and is defined as “unwelcome or unreasonable behavior that demeans, intimidates or humiliates an individual or a group of individuals.” Bullying can be verbal or physical; occur as an isolated incident or as persistent incidents; and can be carried out directly or indirectly by a group or by an individual. Some examples of bullying include: • Abusive language • Unreasonable insults or criticism (especially in public) • Teasing and/or spreading rumors • Trivializing of work or achievements • Exclusion or isolation Bullying can have devastating results. If you witness bullying or suspect bullying is taking place, report it to your Manager and/or to Human Resources immediately. All suspected incidents of bullying are thoroughly investigated and disciplinary measures are taken accordingly. 205 At-Will Employment Statement While we hope to have a long relationship with you, your employment with ITU AbsorbTech (the Company) is voluntary and is subject to termination by you or the Company at will, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time. While the Company has a disciplinary system in place, this system does not have to be used—the Company may make the decision to terminate you without first taking any disciplinary steps.

Each employee is responsible for maintaining a discrimination free environment.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to: offensive and unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions; repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature; graphic or degrading comments about an individual or his/her appearance; the display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; or any offensive or abusive physical contact. If an employee believes that he/she is the victim of violence or harassment, that employee should immediately report the incident to his/her immediate supervisor. If the immediate supervisor is involved in the reported conduct, or, if for some reason the employee feels uncomfortable about making a report to that supervisor, the report should be made to the next management level. All reports will be handled confidentially. The Company will investigate any such report and will take whatever corrective action is deemed necessary, including disciplining or discharging any individual who is believed to have violated this prohibition against harassment. Persons complaining of harassment will be protected from retaliation. The Company does not tolerate harassment of any kind and will take appropriate disciplinary action whenever such harassment is demonstrated, including immediate termination. Any individual who engages in such conduct contrary to this

Our commitment is to fully comply with the equal opportunity laws and principles. We