Timberland statement regarding working conditions at Kingmaker Footwear factory (China)

18 April 2005

Robin Giampa (Director of Corporate Communications, Timberland) provided this statement to the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre in response to “Shoe Factory Reports: Kingmaker Footwear (Timberland made in China)”, China Labor Watch, 18 Dec 2004” (http://www.chinalaborwatch.org/en/web/article.php?article_id=50234) and related news items:

“Timberland has been committed to positive change in the factories in which our products are made and we appreciate any opportunity for constructive engagement on this topic. We are aware that this factory has had some issues with working conditions and are committed to helping factory owners improve. We can't comment on behalf of factory management, but can share how Timberland is influencing change:

A) All apparel and licensing factories are assessed annually and we'll start to train and educate workers and management once a year as of this summer. Footwear factories are assessed twice a year. In addition, the focus is on ongoing relationship building and so there is consistent follow up and progress throughout the year.

B) Timberland has a 3-step approach to engagement with factory management:

1) We identify issues and ask the supplier to remedy.

2) If the supplier does not improve in the given amount of time, we offer resources in order to help them meet the requirements.

3) If additional resources fails we will disengage, but only if workers can be given another opportunity for employment.

C) Kingmaker is in stage two. They have been making progress in the area of policies and procedures while preparing for more formal communication, morale and worker election initiatives which will take place in the next few months.

Thank you for your request for engagement on these issues. Timberland has been and remains committed to making positive change in the places where our products are made and we work hard to do so with partners who share similar values.”