Problem Resolution Procedures/
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Brinker International recognizes that any teammate can experience problems at work.
Brinker is committed to providing the best possible working conditions for its teammates
and as part of this commitment encourages an open and frank atmosphere in which
any problem, complaint, suggestion, or question receives a timely response. |
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Brinker has provided a Whistle-Blower
Communication website where a teammate can anonymously submit and receive written communication.
Brinker has adopted the following internal procedures to achieve effective resolution
of issues as they occur. No teammate will be penalized, formally or informally,
for voicing a complaint in a reasonable, business-like manner, or for filing a complaint
under the Problem Resolution Procedure. If a situation occurs wherein teammates
believe that a condition of employment or a decision affecting them is unjust or
inequitable, they are encouraged to make use of the following steps. A teammate
may discontinue the procedure at any time. |
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Problem Resolution Process |
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ConfidentialityComplaints of misconduct, harassment or discrimination will be kept confidential
to the fullest extent possible consistent with the Company's need to investigate
the matter. Teammates are also urged to keep all information regarding an internal
EEO investigation confidential and understand that they are expected to fully cooperate
with any such investigation. |
RetaliationRetaliation against any person who voices a concern, files a complaint with PeopleWorks
or participates in any subsequent related investigation is prohibited.
Teammates found to have engaged in retaliatory behavior may be subject to discipline
up to and including termination. |
Arbitration In the event a dispute between the Company and a teammate cannot be resolved informally,
where permissible, the matter must be submitted to final and binding arbitration.
Arbitration is a process whereby a dispute is submitted to an arbitrator for decision.
See Arbitration Policy. |
Whistle-Blowers PolicyIt is the responsibility of Brinker teammates to report any violations or suspected violations of law. All Brinker International teammates are encouraged to report either orally or in
writing to their immediate supervisor, or alternate line of authority as hereinafter
described, all evidence of activity by a Brinker International department or teammate
that may constitute:
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Any Brinker teammate who in good faith reports such incidents as described above
will be protected from threats of retaliation, discharge, or other types of discrimination
including but not limited to compensation or terms and conditions of employment
that are directly related to the disclosure of such reports. In addition, no teammate
may be adversely affected because the teammate refused to carry out a directive
which, in fact, constitutes corporate fraud or is a violation of State or federal
law. A teammate who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good
faith is subject to disciplinary action, including termination. Reports made in bad
faith or for malicious or misleading purposes, however, may lead to discipline, including termination.
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Any teammate who wants to report evidence of alleged improper activity as described
should contact his/her immediate supervisor, or the supervisor's manager. In instances
where the teammate is not satisfied with the supervisor or manager's response, or
is uncomfortable for any reason addressing such concerns to his/her supervisor or
the manager of such supervisor, the teammate may contact the General Counsel's office.
If the teammate is uncomfortable for any reason contacting the office of the General
Counsel, the teammate may contact the Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board
of Directors. The contact information for the Chair of the Audit Committee and General
Counsel will be posted on the Company web site. Teammates are encouraged to provide
as much specific information as possible including names, dates, places, and events
that took place, the teammate's perception of why the incident(s) may be a violation,
and what action the teammate recommends be taken. Anonymous written or telephonic
communications will be accepted. teammates who choose to identify themselves will
receive a reply to their report within 20 working days or as soon as practicable
thereafter.
Brinker has also provided a Whistle
Blower Communication website where teammates can anonymously submit and receive
written communication. The address of the Whistle-Blower communication website is http://www.brinker.com.
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Contacts
General Counsel |