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SA 8000

SA 8000

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The Social Accountability 8000 certification standard brings the kind of approach associated with the ISO quality systems – such as ISO 9001 certification – and applies it to social responsibility in the workplace. Human rights, child labour, health and safety, freedom of association, working hours and compensation. The standard is based on established human rights instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Declaration on the Rights of the Child.

SA 8000 (Social Accountability 8000) certification is the first international certification on social responsibility. Its main objective is to guarantee workers’ right, in such a way that everyone involved wins: companies, workers, trade unions, government.

SA 8000 certification Standard is composed of 9 requirements:

  1. Minimum age:

Child labour, defined by the ILO as work carried out by children aged 15 years and younger (14 years in some exempted areas) is not permitted. Where practiced, child labour must be progressively eliminated in a constructive way so as not to make the child’s economic situation worse.

  1. Forced labour:

Prohibited. Workers cannot be required to surrender identity papers, or pay “deposits” in order to gain employment.

  1. Occupational health and safety:

Companies must meet basic standards for a safe and healthy working environment.
Freedom of association and the right to organize.
Protects the rights of workers to form and join trade unions or other organized groups where unions are prohibited by law.

  1. Discrimination:

Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, caste, nationality, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership or political affiliation.

  1. Disciplinary practices:

Prohibits corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion and verbal abuse of workers.

  1. Hours of work:

A regular working week is defined as that set out by local 1aw or 48 hours, whichever is shorter. Overtime is not to exceed 12 hours per week, even when the regular working week is less than 48 hours.

  1. Wages:

Must meet all minimum legal standards and provide sufficient income for basic needs.

  1. Management systems:

Management systems shall guarantee that the requirements are effectively satisfied

  1. Freedom:

Freedom to organize and collective bargaining have to be guaranteed

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