Problem Resolution Procedures/
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Brinker International recognizes that any team member can experience problems at work. Brinker is committed to
providing the best possible working conditions for its team members 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 team member 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 team members 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 team member 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. Team members 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. Team members found to have engaged in retaliatory behavior may be subject to discipline up to and
including termination. |
ARBITRATIONIn the event a dispute between the Company and a team member 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 Agreement to Arbitrate. |
WHISTLE-BLOWERS POLICYIt is the responsibility of Brinker team members to report any violations or suspected violations of law. All Brinker International
team members 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 team member that may constitute:
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Any Brinker team member 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 team member may be adversely
affected because the team member refused to carry out a directive which, in fact, constitutes corporate fraud or is a violation
of State or federal law. A team member 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 team member 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 team member 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 team member may contact the General Counsel's office. If the team member is uncomfortable for any reason contacting the office
of the General Counsel, the team member 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. Team members are encouraged to provide
as much specific information as possible including names, dates, places, and events that took place, the team member's perception of why
the incident(s) may be a violation, and what action the team member recommends be taken. Anonymous written or telephonic communications
will be accepted. Team members 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 team members 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 |
Copyright - Brinker International, Inc. All rights reserved.
Approved: May 28, 2009 / Posted: August 11, 2011