CHEP Commits to Best Hiring Practices; Joins IMAGE Program

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CHEP, the global leader in pallet and container pooling services, has announced a formal partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to follow best hiring practices, train its staff to uphold high standards and use federal government screening tools to ensure employees are lawfully authorized to work. The company signed the ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers (IMAGE) last month at the ICE headquarters in Washington, committing the company to meeting the workforce compliance standards set by the program.

CHEP joins 26 other companies from around the United States and from a wide range of industries, including transportation, technology and manufacturing in signing the IMAGE contract. CHEP has committed to meet the standards set by the program, partnering with ICE officials to assess their business practices and improve, where necessary, the way they hire, process I-9 forms, maintain employment records and otherwise comply with U.S. laws on employment.

"CHEP’s ability to aspire to and meet the IMAGE standard is an example to all those in your industry of corporate leadership and good citizenship. It's also a signal to the company’s clients and business partners that they care about their brand and reputation in partnering with CHEP,” said Julie L. Myers, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for ICE.

IMAGE membership begins with a self-assessment of hiring practices to uncover vulnerabilities that can be exploited by illegal aliens. Technical tools that screen job applicants and social security numbers, such as E-Verify, are integrated with best practices to assure that employees are legally eligible to work.

“CHEP is dedicated to having a lawful workforce and is honored to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in this effort. We look forward to expanding our relationship and to working with our partners to gain their support of the IMAGE program,” said Donna Slyster, Senior Vice President and CIO of CHEP, who represented the company at the signing ceremony.

About U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. To learn more about the IMAGE program, go to www.ICE.gov and choose IMAGE from the "Partners" area of the website.

About CHEP

CHEP is the global leader in pallet and container pooling services serving many of the world's largest companies. The company has more than 7,000 employees and operates in 45 countries. Combining superior technology and an asset base of more than 300 million pallets and containers, CHEP offers its customers exceptional value, a platform that enables reduction in customer product damage, and an environmentally sustainable logistical solution. Supply chains served include consumer goods, produce, beverage, and the automotive industry. With global partners that include Procter & Gamble, SYSCO, Kellogg's, Kraft, Nestle, Ford and GM, CHEP is known for Handling the World's Most Important Products. Everyday. For more information about CHEP, please visit: www.chep.com.