restrictions. Employees should comply fully with any contractual obligations related to the information of others.
Further, nothing in this Code prohibits the reporting of possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including, but not limited to, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Congress, and any Agency Inspector General, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Employees do not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and are not required to notify the Company that they have made such reports or disclosures.
Nothing in the Code is intended to nor does interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of federal or state labor law or other rights, including any and all rights under the National Labor Relations Act. This applies to all policies, including the Code and any policies referenced herein.
WORKING WITH OUR CUSTOMERS, SUPPLIERS, CONTRACTORS, AND COMPETITORS
Certain legal and ethical issues come into play in our dealings with our customers, suppliers, contractors, and competitors. A good understanding by our employees of what must govern their conduct in these situations is essential in order to maintain our reputation for excellence, integrity, and fair dealing.
Gifts and Fair Dealing
The Company is committed to doing business with the highest ethical standards and fair dealing with all customers, contractors, and others. This commitment is a core Company value. What this means is that the Company, through its employees and other representatives, is truthful, honest, and fair. The Company does not condone misrepresentation, concealment, manipulation, abuse of confidential or proprietary information, or other unfair practices. The Company deals with others in good faith and expects the same in return.
Company business should be awarded solely based on quality, service, and competitive pricing. To avoid even the appearance of improper influence, no employee or member of an employee’s immediate family may accept any gift of more than token value. Employees are also prohibited from accepting any kind of payment, loan, or unusually lavish hospitality (such as expensive meals or entertainment) from customers, suppliers, or contractors. Whether intended for an improper purpose or not, they can have the appearance of impropriety and are not permitted. Similarly, no employee or any member of an employee’s immediate family should give a gift of more than token value to any customer, supplier, or contractor. Should any question arise as to