Response from Asics

It is acceptable to require all suppliers to proactively adopt a “Freedom of Association Policy”. We are discussing to insert the card describing “ Freedom of Association Policy” on the back of their ID card case to enhance awareness of workers’ rights instead of the form of a ‘Right to Organize Guarantee’.  We agreed with factories that our contracted auditors can freely communicate with workers to see the “Freedom of Association”.Implementing audit, especially when internal auditor conducted, we check whether they have trade union in the facility. We conduct the management and trade union interview and review the records for trade union organization chart, number of members, workers grievance records and reaction done by trade union and/or factory management, welfare activity, fair election record by workers, etc. Asics reviews the factory policy of Freedom of Association and Right of collective bargaining and training record for workers awareness. We see the value of organization as a way of workers grievance channel and complaints procedures. Asics recommends factory to support the activity of trade union or strengthen labor-employer relationship in any forms of organization including trade union, joint consultation committee, employee committee, and welfare committee.