The SA 8000:2014 Standard is the leading social certification standard for factories and organizations across the globe. It was established by Social Accountability International in 1997 as a multi-stakeholder initiative. Over the years, the Standard has evolved into an overall framework that helps certified organizations demonstrate their dedication to the fair treatment of workers across industries and in any country.
SA 8000:2014 measures social performance in eight areas important to social accountability in workplaces, anchored by a management system element that drives continuous improvement in all areas of the Standard. It is appreciated by brands and industry leaders for its rigorous approach to ensuring the highest quality of social compliance in their supply chains, all the while without sacrificing business interests.
Benefits of SA 8000:
- Proves your commitment to social accountability and to treating your employees ethically and in compliance with global standards
- Improves the management and performance of your supply chain
- Allows you to ensure compliance with global standards and reduce the risk of negligence, public exposure and possible litigation
- Supports your corporate vision and build and reinforce the loyalty of your employees, customers and stakeholders
- Enables you to demonstrate proper social accountability when bidding for international contracts or expanding locally to accommodate new business
Essentials of SA 8000:
- Child labor: Prohibits child labor (under age 15 in most cases). Certified companies must also allocate funds for the education of children who might lose jobs as a result of this standard.
- Forced or compulsory labor: Workers cannot be required to surrender their identity papers or pay “deposits” as a condition of employment.
- Health and safety: Companies must meet basic standards for a safe and healthy working environment, including drinkable water, restroom facilities, applicable safety equipment, and necessary training.
- Freedom of association and right to collective bargaining: Protects the rights of workers to form and join trade unions and to bargain collectively, without fear of reprisals.
- Discrimination: No discrimination on the basis of race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, or political affiliation.
- Disciplinary practices: Forbids corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion and verbal abuse of workers.
- Working hours: Provides for a maximum 48-hour work week, with a minimum one day off per week, and a cap of 12 hours overtime per week remunerated at a premium rate.
- Remuneration: Wages paid must meet all minimum legal standards and provide sufficient income for basic needs, with at least some discretionary income.
- Management system: Defines procedures for effective management implementation and review of SA8000 compliance, from designating responsible personnel to keeping records, addressing concerns and taking corrective actions