FairPoint Communications 2004 Annual Report Download - page 489

6. 
We seek to outperform our competition fairly and honestly. We seek competitive advantages through superior performance, never through
unethical or illegal business practices. Stealing proprietary information, possessing trade secret information that was obtained without the owner’s consent, or
inducing such disclosures by past or present employees of other companies is prohibited. Each employee, director and officer should endeavor to respect the
rights of and deal fairly with the Company’s customers, suppliers, consultants, competitors and employees. No employee, director or officer should take
unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other intentional
unfair-dealing practice.
The purpose of business entertainment and gifts in a commercial setting is to create good will and sound working relationships, not to gain
unfair advantage with customers. No gift or entertainment should ever be offered, given, provided or accepted by any Company employee, officer, director,
family member of any of the foregoing or agent unless it:
• is not a cash gift,
• is consistent with customary business practices,
• is not excessive in value,
• cannot be construed as a bribe or payoff and does not create an appearance of impropriety, and
• is in compliance with the Company’s policy on gifts and gratuities and does not violate any laws or rules or regulations.
Please discuss with your Human Resources representative any gifts or proposed gifts which you are not certain are appropriate.
7. 
The diversity of the Company’s employees is a tremendous asset. It is the Company’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity for
all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or
related medical conditions), national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under federal, state or local law. In
addition, the Company is committed to providing a workplace free of unlawful harassment. This includes not only sexual harassment, but also harassment
on any of the bases set forth above. The Company strongly disapproves of and will not tolerate harassment of employees by managers, supervisors, co-
workers or non-employees. Similarly, the Company will not tolerate harassment by its employees of non-employees with whom Company employees have a
business, service, or professional relationship. For information about the Company’s policies against discrimination and harassment, please refer to the
Company’s Employee Handbook.
All of our employees deserve a positive work environment where they will be respected and we are committed to providing an environment
that supports honesty, integrity, respect, trust and responsibility. All of our employees should contribute to the creation and maintenance of such an
environment and our executive officers and management and supervisory personnel should take a leadership role in achieving a work environment that meets
our diversity standards and is free from the fear of retribution.
8. 
The Company strives to provide each employee with a safe and healthful work environment. Each employee has a responsibility for
maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all employees by following safety and health rules and practices and reporting accidents, injuries and unsafe
equipment, practices or conditions.
Violence and threatening behavior are not permitted and the use of illegal drugs or alcohol in the workplace will not be tolerated. Employees
should report to work in condition to perform their duties, free from the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.