NEW YORK, May 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Center for Corporate
Accountability (ICCA) today released audit results of Mattel, Inc.'s
manufacturing facilities in Tijuana and Monterrey, Mexico. ICCA's
independent reports, which have been publicly issued since 1999, are
commissioned by Mattel as part of the company's commitment to upholding its
Global Manufacturing Principles (GMP) code of conduct by providing an
unbiased, third-party analysis of working conditions in its manufacturing
facilities.
In the area of working hours, wages and benefits, the current report
highlighted the need for improvement regarding consecutive days of work
without a rest day and overtime that occasionally exceeded GMP standards.
In addition, ICCA auditors recommended greater attention to up-keep and
maintenance on the shop floors, better housekeeping outside the facility
and improved ventilation in the blow-molding area. In those areas
highlighted as needing improvement, Mattel has already completed corrective
action.
"Mattel has fully implemented changes and new processes that address
areas of concern noted in the audit report," said Jim Walter, senior vice
president of worldwide quality assurance at Mattel. "As always, ICCA has
the option, at its own discretion, to revisit these plants for a follow-up
audit to verify the satisfactory completion of Mattel's corrective
actions."
Additionally, Walter said that Mattel works hard to ensure its
facilities around the world, as well as those of contracted vendors,
consistently meet the self-imposed high standards set by GMP, which marks a
10-year milestone in 2007.
Dr. S. Prakash Sethi, chairman of ICCA and University Distinguished
Professor, Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, commented, "We
commend Mattel's swift action to correct issues noted by ICCA's report on
this most recent audit. Specifically, the facility in Monterrey ranks among
the best of Mattel's owned and operated plants."
Summary of Report Findings:
The ICCA report found that Mattel's facilities in Mexico meet GMP
standards in all of the following areas:
* Recruitment and hiring of workers
* GMP awareness among employees
* Workplace discipline
* Use of personal protective equipment
* Access to drinking water and restroom facilities
* Kitchen facilities and meal breaks
* Medical facilities
* Freedom of association and access to management
* Protection from harassment
* Recreation facilities
* Non-job related skill enhancement programs
The full text of the ICCA report can be viewed on ICCA's Web site at
http://www.ICCA-corporateaccountability.org and on the Mattel corporate Web
site located at http://www.mattel.com.
Mattel's Global Manufacturing Principles (GMP), launched in November
1997, are the cornerstone of the company's ongoing commitment to
responsible manufacturing practices around the world. Adherence to GMP
seeks to ensure that wages, working and living conditions and employee
access to management are just and fair, as well as to assure protection of
the environment. Mattel contracted with ICCA to perform regular audits of
its owned manufacturing facilities and those of its major suppliers. ICCA's
responsibility is to evaluate and publish findings on these manufacturing
facilities' compliance with GMP. ICCA's audit protocols are designed to
verify compliance with Mattel's GMP standards in a manner that is
comprehensive, objectively measured, interpreted in a meaningful manner and
independent of any other consideration except the compliance standards
specified in the GMP.
About ICCA:
Directed by Dr. S. Prakash Sethi, the International Center for
Corporate Accountability (ICCA) is a not-for-profit, independently
incorporated organization comprised of a council of experts in labor issues
worldwide. ICCA encourages and assists multinational corporations in
creating, implementing and arranging independent monitoring of codes of
conduct. As an academically-affiliated organization, associated with the
Zicklin School of Business of Baruch College -- The City University of New
York, ICCA also undertakes independent field research on aspects of
corporate governance and accountability that normally fall outside the
purview of corporate boards of directors, and engages in dialogue with a
wide range of stakeholders.
About Mattel:
Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT, http://www.mattel.com) is the worldwide
leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family
products. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as
Barbie(R), the most popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels(R),
Matchbox(R), American Girl(R), Radica(R) and Tyco(R) R/C, as well as
Fisher-Price(R) brands, including Little People(R), Power Wheels(R) and a
wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. Mattel is recognized as one
of the 100 Most Trustworthy U.S. Companies by Forbes Magazine and is ranked
among the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by CRO Magazine. Committed to ethical
manufacturing practices, Mattel marks a 10-year milestone in 2007 for its
ever-evolving Global Manufacturing Principles and focus on sustainable
business practices. With global headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel
employs more than 30,000 people in 43 countries and territories and sells
products in more than 150 nations. Mattel's vision is to be the world's
premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.
SOURCE International Center for Corporate Accountability
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Related links:
http://www.ICCA-corporateaccountability.org
http://www.mattel.com
CONTACT:
Media, Dr. S. Prakash Sethi of International
Center for Corporate Accountability, +1-646-312-2230; or Jules
Andres of Mattel, Inc., +1-310-252-3529
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