Burton has changed the contract for women's riders on a global scale.The changes to support female athletes' activities during pregnancy and after childbirth include six Japanese team riders (Kurumi Imai, Reira Iwabuchi, Hikaru Oe, Yuka Fujimori, Yuki Furihata, Kokomo Murase) and Burton Japan. It is said that it is reflected in the contract with the limited liability company.
More than a year ago, team rider Kimmy Fasani decided to become the mother of Core (son) and at the same time continue her career as a professional snowboarder.The other day, at a roundtable where women's team riders gathered in Zurich, women's social status and authority, the situation in the outdoor industry, and their careers as athletes were discussed.They paid tribute to Kimmy, who opened a new path as an athlete, and Burton, who prepared the environment so that her pregnancy, childbirth, and subsequent careers would not be anxious.
Burton CMO Sarah Crockett, who attended the women's roundtable, was inspired by the honest feelings of the team riders.Then, the day after returning to Japan, he took action to change the contract as soon as he read the article by track and field athlete Alicia Montano published in the New York Times.
The contract items that support women's team riders' activities during pregnancy and after childbirth are as follows.
• Burton does not consider pregnancy a medical condition.
• Burton will not temporarily suspend or reduce basic compensation due to pregnancy or childbirth (24 weeks: 6 months).
• Burton will discuss reasonable accommodations in contractual obligations if the rider becomes pregnant.
• Burton will not terminate the contract because of pregnancy or childbirth.
• Burton will cover the attendant's ticket or equivalent costs required for travel during lactation.
Sarah announced the following comments for team riders.
"We respect all team riders, and we also appreciate their great contributions to snowboarding. But our relationship is more than that. Even as we grow more families, we The relationship remains the same, which is of utmost importance to us and to you. "
Naomi Sugawa, general manager of Burton Japan GK, said, "Rather than giving up the athlete's path that we have cultivated through pregnancy and childbirth, we have the same or better performance in the process of raising a family. Providing an environment where men and women can play an active role is an important step for men and women to play an active role. This change in the contract details allows female athletes to become pregnant and give birth without worrying about their careers. It is also a big message for Japanese society, where the declining birthrate is regarded as a problem, asking about the importance of supporting an environment where pregnancy is possible. We praise Donna Carpenter and Sarah and support their future success beyond the boundaries of female athletes. "
Yuka Fujimori, who has participated in the Winter Olympic Games for four consecutive tournaments and finished seventh in the women's big air at the previous Pyeongchang Games, said, "One of the difficulties faced by female professional athletes is" career and family. " Many people are worried about it. I think it's been talked about recently that this problem has a big impact on life not only for athletes but also for other industries. At the round table where women's team riders gathered in Zurich. I also participated. In addition to talking about design and development, I was also talked about worries about rider activities and being impressed by Kimmy's activities while raising children. Donna quickly responded to this problem. Correspondingly, the change in our contract has created an environment where we can continue snowboarding with peace of mind for a longer period of time. We hope that athletes from other industries and competitions will be able to play an active role in such an environment. "I commented on this matter.
