Response from Asics

Asics recognize the importance of incorporating a living wage standard in our code of conduct. Before we put it into practice, we think the definition of a living wage should be clarified. The definition decision shall be defined after getting consensus among the stakeholders. Union's claim for a living wage is a main theme of trade union activities in the modern age. Labor trouble with this regard has a long history. The turning point of resolving the labor trouble has started from agreement of a living wage definition for both of parties. The recognition for a living wage standard is increasing among World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), Play Fair Olympics Campaign (PFOC) and a major suppliers.  We expect a constructive conversation regarding a definition of a living wage will be carried in the future. It is declared at International Labour Organization (ILO) that requires the discussion for marinating appropriate living standard between labor-employee related organizations. Since the phrase of an "appropriate living standard" is quite ambiguous, it might be obstacle for negotiation between labor-employee talks. However, we believe both of the parties should keep the attitude of constructive conversation to make their best effort to reach to the agreement which both of them satisfies. Since, company hires many workers and has responsibility to assure their life security, company will not agree on excess definition for a living wage. The achievement for big goal of payable living wage to worker will discourage company if labor organization doesn't show a generous understanding for business management. The combative appearance with claiming one's own opinion is not constructive approach. It is important and core matter to keep moderate attitude based on harmonization approach. The approach trying to resolve the problem in the short time will set up disaffectedness and distrustfulness for both parties. Both of labor-employer organizations are requested to convert of a way of thinking and theory.