The SA 8000 standard

The SA8000 standard for socially responsible employment practices first appeared in 1998. It was based on the established ISO 9000 quality management system standard. However, unlike ISO 9000, it prescribes specific norms. The SA8000 programme offers two ways for organizations that want to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility.
The first, membership, is designed for businesses that are involved in retailing. The second route, certification, is intended for manufacturers and suppliers themselves.

Key Requirements:

The main elements of SA8000 are as follows: Child labour and forced labour prohibition Health and safety provision Freedom of enrolling Trade Unions and collective bargaining Discrimination elimination Disciplinary practices Working hours restriction Compensation Management systems regarding social accountability.

Benefits of SA8000 Benefits for Workers, Trade Unions and NGOs:

1. Enhanced opportunities to organize trade unions and bargain collectively.

2. Enable education to workers about core labor rights.

3. Ensures opportunity to work directly with business on labor rights issues

Benefits for Organization:

1. Putting organization’s social policies into action.

2. Improves organization and brand reputation.

3. Improves staff recruitment process, retention and performance.

4. Better supply chain management and performance.

5. Morale booster for Employees

Benefits for Consumers and stakeholders:

1. Transparent and credible assurance for ethical purchasing decisions.

2. Organizations and their products are easily identified for their commitment to ethical practices.

3. Wide publicity of products and services categories and workplace.

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