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If a competitor ever initiates a discussion
about pricing plans with you, stop the conversation and walk
away. Don't worry about being rude; his behavior is unethical
and possibly illegal. Report attempts at discussing pricing
plans to the Company Legal Department or the Ethics Office immediately.
Q. I realize that I can't buy TriMas Corporation debt or
equity securities based on insider information, but can I advise
a family member or friend to do so?
A. No. You would be violating insider trading laws just as if
you were buying the debt or equity securities yourself. You
and the person you advised would be violating the law and could
be subject to prosecution.
Q. I have quarterly target numbers and my performance evaluation
depends on making them. I try to go by the book, but when the
pressure is on, it's hard to deal with rules, regulations,
and paperwork. It just slows me down. I'm a good performer
and I know how to get the job done, so why don't they just
let me do it my way?
A. It's true that there's pressure these days to perform
and produce. But no matter how much emphasis is put on making
numbers, the Company doesn't want you to cut corners. Rules
and regulations were put in place to ensure that our Company
complies with the law and the standard accounting procedures.
Breaking the law, or even stretching a Company policy, can have
effects far beyond the immediate gratification of making your
numbers.
Q. I have a child in college. We commonly communicate with each
other via e-mail. Can I give my child my e-mail address at work?
A. Yes. The e-mail system is Company property and should be
used primarily for conducting Company business. However, Company
communication systems may occasionally be used for personal
messages provided that such use is kept to a minimum and is
in compliance with the Code of Conduct and applicable policies
and procedures.
Q. Company policy allows me to be reimbursed actual costs
for meals when I'm traveling on Company business without the
need to obtain a receipt if the meal is under $25.00. But
what if I don't actually incur meal expenses while I'm away?
Can't I request reimbursement for the total amount I might
have spent for meals for the time period involved?
A. No. It's true you are allowed reimbursement for meals while
on Company business. But this is not money you are entitled
to if you don't actually incur the expense. You should only
request reimbursement from the Company for the exact amount
you actually spend for such meals or other reimbursable items.
Further, you are not permitted to pay for the meals of others
(such as your spouse) from Company funds. Company money should
never be used for non-Company matters.
WARNING SIGNS – STATEMENTS THAT SHOULD MAKE YOU QUESTION:
"Well, just this once…"
"Everyone does it."
"No one will ever know…"
"I don't care how you do it, just get it done."
"No one will get hurt."
"We didn't have this conversation."
"What's in it for me?"
"This will destroy the competition."
"Shred that document."
You may think of many more phrases that raise warning flags.
If you are confronted with these expressions, take the Quick
Quiz below and make sure you are on solid ethical ground.
QUICK QUIZ – WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK YOURSELF…
1. Are my actions legal and consistent with Company policy?
2. Am I being fair and honest?
3. Will my action stand the test of time?
4. How will I feel about myself afterwards?
5. Am I comfortable having my actions reported on the front
page of the newspaper?
6. Will I sleep soundly tonight?
7. Would I tell my children to do this?
8. How would I feel if my family, friends, and neighbors knew
what I was doing?
If you are still not sure what to do, ask…and keep asking
until you are certain you are doing the right thing.
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