A company is defined by more than what it makes and sells. A company is also the values that shape its conduct in the marketplace. A successful business is built on a framework of trust and the consistent ability to meet the expectations of its customers, employees, and business partners.

When companies lose sight of the importance of protecting the fundamental dignity of workers, they erode the trust that must exist for a business to be successful in the long run. It is not only wrong, it also undermines a company's ability to compete . . . and it should.

In recognition of this simple truth, Levi Strauss & Co. was the first company to develop and implement basic labor and safety standards for the workplace. Known as our Terms of Engagement, they clearly define the business practice standards we insist upon both from ourselves and our suppliers around the world. We enforce those standards by diligently monitoring workplace conditions in every facility that manufactures the products that carry our brands.

Displayed here are our Terms of Engagement guidelines translated into several languages. I believe they are as important to our company's future success as the pair of Levi'sŪ jeans shown next to them.