The
Social Accountability 8000 standard brings the kind of approach
associated with the ISO quality systems - such as ISO 9001
- 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) 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 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.
2.Forced
labour:
Prohibited. Workers cannot be required to surrender identity
papers, or pay "deposits" in order to gain employment.
3.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.
4.Discrimination:
Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, caste, nationality,
religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union
membership or political affiliation.
5.Disciplinary
practices:
Prohibits corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion
and verbal abuse of workers.
6.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.
7.Wages:
Must meet all minimum legal standards and provide sufficient
income for basic needs.
8.Management
systems :
Management systems shall guarantee that the requirements
are effectively satisfied
9.Freedom
to organize and collective bargaining have to be guaranteed
