Response from New Balance

Proposal D1:

Make a commitment to paying a living wage.

New Balance suppliers pay the minimum wage required by law or the prevailing industry wage, whichever is higher, but the company will not commit to incorporating a living wage in its Code.

Full response

"Suppliers must pay at least the minimum wage required by law or the prevailing industry wage, consistent with the local area statistics, whichever is higher, and shall provide legally mandated benefits. We have developed a comprehensive, detailed wage and documentation system as part of our supplier evaluation process, and provided training to workers to ensure they understand their pay. New Balance is willing to consider more detailed language in this area."

Response Key

The brand claims to implementing all components of this proposal or has agreed to implement them within Play Fair's proposed timeframe.

The brand is currently implementing or has agreed to implement some of the essential components of the proposal but has refused to implement, has overlooked, or has raised issues with one or more important components; or, the brand agrees to implement the proposal but not within Play Fair’s proposed timeframe.

The brand has refused to implement the essential components of the proposal.

The brand has misunderstood or failed to comment on the proposal; or the brand is considering the proposal, but has yet to make a decision.