Skechers requires that all of the manufacturing factories (Tier 1) and material suppliers (Tier 2) through which we produce our product understand and sign our Supplier Code of Conduct annually. Our Supplier Code of Conduct has specific provisions regarding forced labor and human trafficking. We have zero tolerance for forced labor.
We also:
- provide Supplier Code of Conduct trainings for Tier 1 factories and Tier 2 suppliers;
- require Tier 1 factories to have their suppliers understand and sign acknowledgment letters for our Supplier Code of Conduct; and
- require Tier 1 factories to monitor their suppliers and complete monitor reports.
Our suppliers must follow all laws, rules and regulations in their country, including those relating to labor, workplace health, forced and underage labor, and safety and the environment – and are regularly audited to ensure compliance. All must ensure that their employees meet applicable employment age requirements and have completed necessary compulsory education in their country. Suppliers who we learn have violated this Code of Conduct are re-audited and disciplined, up to termination.
- To ensure that no forced and child labor exists within our supply chain, all potential material vendors used in the manufacture of our products must certify that they do not employ convict labor, forced labor, indentured labor or child labor.
- Suppliers must maintain a written policy and procedure on the minimum age of employees (which includes an underage labor remediation plan), verify the age of their applicants, maintain pertinent records and ensure that all supervisors and personnel in charge of recruitment are educated on these policies.
- They must abide by all applicable laws pertaining to mandatory overtime and allow employees to leave the facility at the end of their shift, as well as during their shift in cases of illness or family emergencies. Employees also must be able to terminate their employment in accordance with their labor contract.
- We train all of our first-tier suppliers and our production quality assurance team on our Supplier Code of Conduct, which includes Skechers’ provisions and standards regarding convict labor, forced labor, indentured labor, child labor and human trafficking.
- We are deeply concerned by reports of forced labor and the treatment of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region. The Supplier Code of Conduct standards strictly prohibit all forms of forced labor. We take a variety of proactive measures to ensure that our factories and their suppliers do not used forced labor. These include both conducting on-going scheduled and unscheduled audits with the factories we utilize in Asia to ensure there are no violations to our Supplier Code of Conduct and requiring our factories to certify to us in writing that neither they nor their suppliers use forced labor. Through these audits initiated internally, we have not encountered any incidents of forced labor. If we were to encounter any violations, the factories are required to implement a Corrective Action Plan, and are audited again to ensure compliance. As always, Skechers will continue its aggressive enforcement of is Supplier Code of Conduct with the factories we utilize. Full Statement on Uyghurs
- As a member of The Mekong Club, a cross-sector organization that focuses on tackling human trafficking, we are proud to be part of a global network of brands dedicated to the education and the eradication of human slavery.
We also have protocols in place that restrict the use of certain chemicals in accordance with our Skechers Restricted Substances List (“SRSL”). Our SRSL details chemical compounds that cannot be present in any finished products sold by Skechers, and includes substances that are banned by law, as well as chemicals we have restricted voluntarily. All Tier 1 factories are required to sign an acknowledgement letter stating that they will abide by our SRSL.
View our Supplier Code of Conduct and SRSL.
I am an expert in corporate social responsibility, ethical sourcing, and supply chain management, with extensive knowledge in the implementation and enforcement of Supplier Codes of Conduct. Throughout my career, I have actively engaged with various industries to promote ethical business practices and ensure compliance with labor and human rights standards.
In the provided statement from Skechers, the company outlines a comprehensive approach to ethical sourcing and supply chain management. Let's break down the key concepts used in the article:
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Supplier Code of Conduct:
- Skechers requires all Tier 1 manufacturing factories and Tier 2 material suppliers to annually understand and sign the Supplier Code of Conduct. This code includes specific provisions against forced labor and human trafficking, demonstrating the company's commitment to ethical sourcing.
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Training and Acknowledgment:
- Skechers conducts Supplier Code of Conduct training for Tier 1 factories and Tier 2 suppliers. Tier 1 factories are required to have their suppliers understand and sign acknowledgment letters for the Supplier Code of Conduct, emphasizing the importance of awareness and commitment.
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Monitoring and Reporting:
- Tier 1 factories are mandated to monitor their suppliers and submit monitor reports, ensuring ongoing compliance with the Supplier Code of Conduct. This demonstrates a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential issues.
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Legal Compliance and Audits:
- Suppliers must adhere to all laws, rules, and regulations related to labor, health, safety, and the environment. Regular audits are conducted to ensure compliance, with a focus on preventing forced and underage labor.
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Certification of Material Vendors:
- Potential material vendors must certify that they do not employ convict labor, forced labor, indentured labor, or child labor. This adds an additional layer of assurance regarding the integrity of the supply chain.
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Minimum Age Policy:
- Suppliers must maintain a written policy on the minimum age of employees, including an underage labor remediation plan. Verification of applicants' age, record-keeping, and education for recruitment personnel are essential components.
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Overtime and Employee Rights:
- Compliance with laws regarding mandatory overtime is required, and employees must have the right to leave the facility at the end of their shift or during emergencies. Termination of employment should align with labor contracts.
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Training and Awareness:
- Skechers ensures that first-tier suppliers and the production quality assurance team are trained on the Supplier Code of Conduct, emphasizing provisions related to labor rights and human trafficking.
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Concerns Regarding Forced Labor:
- Skechers expresses deep concern about forced labor and the treatment of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region. The company takes proactive measures, including audits and certifications, to ensure its factories and suppliers do not use forced labor.
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Membership in The Mekong Club:
- As a member of The Mekong Club, Skechers is part of a global network dedicated to combating human trafficking, highlighting its commitment to addressing social issues beyond its immediate supply chain.
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Restricted Substances List (SRSL):
- Skechers has protocols in place to restrict the use of certain chemicals, as outlined in its Skechers Restricted Substances List (SRSL). Tier 1 factories are required to sign acknowledgment letters, indicating compliance with these restrictions.
In conclusion, Skechers demonstrates a robust commitment to ethical sourcing and supply chain management through its comprehensive Supplier Code of Conduct, proactive monitoring, and engagement with global initiatives focused on human rights and labor standards.
