Reebok International Ltd., Human Rights Policy
(Adopted November 1990)
(Source: Orentlicher, Diane F., and Timothy A. Gelatt, "Public Law, Private Actors: The Impact of Human Rights on Business Investors in China," Reprinted by special permission of Northwestern University School of Law, Volume 14, Issue 1, Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business, p. 108 -1993- )
1. Reebok will not operate under martial law conditions or allow any military presence on its premises.
2. Reebok encourages free association and assembly among its employees.
3. Reebok will seek to ensure that opportunities for advancement are based on initiative, leadership and contributions to the business, not political beliefs. Further, no one is to be dismissed from working at its factories for political views or non-violent involvement.
4. Reebok will seek to prevent compulsory political indoctrination programs from taking place on its premises.
5. Reebok affirms that it deplores the use of force against human rights.
Reebok's Human Rights Production Standards
(Source: Reebok company document)
A Commitment to Human Rights
Reebok's devotion to human rights worldwide is a hallmark of our corporate culture. As a corporation in an ever-more global economy we will not be indifferent to the standards of our business partners around the world.
We believe that the incorporation of internationally recognized human rights standards into our business practice improves worker morale and results in a higher quality working environment and higher quality products.
In developing this policy, we have sought to use standards that are fair, that are appropriate to diverse cultures and that encourage workers to take pride in their work.
Nondiscrimination
Reebok will seek business partners that do not discriminate in hiring and employment practices on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, or political or other opinion.
Working Hours/Overtime
Reebok will seek business partners who do not require more than 60 hour work weeks on a regularly scheduled basis, except for appropriately compensated overtime in compliance with local laws, as we will favor business partners who use 48 hour work weeks as their maximum normal requirement.
Forced or Compulsory Labor
Reebok will not work with business partners that use forced or other compulsory labor, including labor that is required as a means of political coercion or as punishment for holding or for peacefully expressing political views, in the manufacture of its products. Reebok will not purchase materials that were produced by forced prison or other compulsory labor and will terminate business relationships with any sources found to utilize such labor.
Fair Wages
Reebok will seek business partners who share our commitment to the betterment of wage and benefit levels that address the basic needs of workers and their families so far as possible and appropriate in light of national practices and conditions. Reebok will not select business partners that pay less than the minimum wage required by local law or that pay less than prevailing local industry practices (whichever is higher).
Child Labor
Reebok will not work with business partners that use child labor. The term "child" generally refers to a person who is less than 14 years of age, or younger than the age for completing compulsory education if that age is higher than 14. In countries where the law defines "child" to include individuals who are older than 14, Reebok will apply that definition.
Freedom of Association
Reebok will seek business partners that share its commitment to the right of employees to establish and join organizations of their own choosing. Reebok will seek to assure that no employee is penalized because of his or her nonviolent exercise of that right. Reebok recognizes and respects the right of all employees to organize and bargain collectively.
Safe and Healthy Work Environment
Reebok will seek business partners that strive to assure employees a safe and healthy workplace and that do not expose workers to hazardous conditions.
Application of Standards
Reebok will apply the Reebok Human Rights Production Standards in our selection of business partners. Reebok will seek compliance with these standards by our contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other business partners.
To assure proper implementation of this policy, Reebok will seek business partners that allow Reebok full knowledge of the production facilities used and will undertake affirmative measures, such as on-site inspection of production facilities, to implement and monitor these standards.
Reebok takes strong objection to the use of force to suppress any of these standards and will taken any such actions into account when evaluating facility compliance with these standards.
