Tod’s Praises Court Postponement of Hearing to Address Supply-chain Concerns

Core Viewpoint - A Milan court has granted Tod's Group an extension of two months to enhance its supply chain controls before a potential sanction is decided, following an investigation into alleged labor abuses [1][2]. Group 1: Court Decision and Company Response - The court postponed a hearing that could impose a six-month communication ban on Tod's, originally scheduled for Wednesday, to February 23 [1]. - Tod's expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, viewing it as a reasonable opportunity to complete necessary control-strengthening measures that have been initiated [2]. - The company emphasized its commitment to clarifying the situation and addressing labor issues, highlighting the protection of workers' dignity as a core value [2]. Group 2: Allegations and Investigations - Tod's and three of its managers are accused of neglecting findings from local authorities regarding labor conditions at subcontractors, which are reportedly Chinese-owned [3]. - Prosecutors have raised concerns about working hours, pay, and hygiene standards based on audit results from the company's supply chain [4]. - The investigation, led by prosecutor Paolo Storari, has uncovered alleged labor abuses and poor working conditions at some subcontractors in Lombardy and Marche regions, involved in producing staff uniforms and footwear components [4].