Mattel's Commitment to Ethics
International Manufacturing Principles
As a U.S. based multi-national company with owned and operated facilities and contractor relationships around the world, Mattel has to establish international workplace and business practice standards. These standards must not only reflect its need to conduct all manufacturing responsibly, but they must also respect the cultural, ethical, and philosophical differences of the many countries in which Mattel operates. In addition, these manufacturing principles set standards for every facility manufacturing Mattel products in every location in which they are produced. Basically, only great benefits result by operating within these principles. They benefit not only the men and women who manufacture its products, but the principles also ensure that Mattel’s customers can continue to purchase its products with the confidence that they have been manufactured in an environment that emphasizes both safety and respect for individual rights.
Mattel’s Global Manufacturing Principles cover several areas of concern and practice. They are: wages & hours of Mattel, child labor, forced labor, discrimination, freedom of association, and working conditions. First, all Mattel factories and vendors set working hours, wages, and overtime pay that are in compliance with governing laws. Workers must be paid at least minimum wage, or a wage that meets local industry standards, whichever is greater. Secondly, no one under the age of 16 or the local age limit (whichever is higher) may be allowed to work in a facility that produces products for Mattel. As CEO Jill Barad stated, " Mattel creates products for children, not jobs." Third, under no circumstances will Mattel use forced or prison labor of any kind, nor will they work with any manufacturer or supplier who does. As for discrimination, it is absolutely not tolerated by the company. Mattel firmly believes that individuals should be employed on the basis of their ability to do a job – not on the basis of individual characteristics or beliefs. Next, "freedom of association" refers to Mattel’s abidance to all the laws and regulations of every country in which it operates. The company recognizes all employees’ rights to choose (or not) to affiliate with legally sanctioned organizations or associations without unlawful interference.
The last area covered is working conditions. All Mattel, Inc. facilities and those of its business partners must provide a safe working environment for their employees. Facilities must engage in efforts including:
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Complying with all applicable local laws regarding sanitation and risk protection and meeting Mattel’s own stringent standards.
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Maintaining proper lighting and keeping aisles and exits accessible at all times.
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Properly maintaining and servicing all machinery.
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Sensibly storing and responsibly disposing of hazardous material.
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Having an appropriate emergency medical and evacuation response plan for employees.
Never using corporal punishment or any other form of physical or psychological coercion on any employee.