SA8000® is the most influential social management and accountability certification-based standard in the field of human rights and labor. It offers a recognized system of verification for ethical performance and a comprehensive framework to enhance workplace conditions. It is considered the world’s leading social certification program and is internationally applicable in any product sector. SA8000® standard traces its roots to the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) treaty, the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Is a voluntary standard for social compliance which applies a management-systems approach to social performance and emphasizes continual improvement.
Short History
The Standard was established by Social Accountability International (SAI) in 1997 as a multi-stakeholder initiative. Founded in 1997, Social Accountability International (SAI) is a global non-governmental organization advancing human rights at work. SAI is the leader in social policy and implementation, working together with a diverse group of stakeholders, including brands, suppliers, governments, trade unions, non-profits, and academia. SAI’s vision is of decent work everywhere sustained by an understanding that socially responsible workplaces benefit business while securing fundamental human rights. 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. SAI aims to revise the SA8000® standard every five years to ensure its continuous relevance and applicability. Through this certification social accountability, social awareness, and business ethics of an organization are highlighted, ensuring working conditions aligned with a unified framework of Social Accountability.
Description
SA8000® is a social management and certification standard designed to assist organizations to stay in compliance with the highest social and ethical standards. SA8000® applies a management-systems approach to social performance and emphasizes continual improvement – not checklist-style auditing. The SA8000® Standard and Certification System, through its Pillars, defines the comprehensive management system of best practices that an organization must implement to achieve “SA8000®” certification, in compliance with the philosophy of Social Accountability, as defined within this Standard and aligned to national legal labor regulations and international agreements. The Social Accountability certification of any interested Organization is also directly related to its suppliers and partners, who are part of the service chain and contribute to ensuring ethical working conditions and labor practices. The 9 Pillars of the Standard are:
- Child Labor
- Forced or Compulsory Labor
- Health and Safety
- Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining
- Discrimination
- Disciplinary Practices
- Working Hours
- Remuneration
- Management Systems
The above pillars include several set Criteria that comprise the SA8000® certification. Once achieved, the certification lasts for three years. Companies are subject to regular audits during the certification period to ensure continued compliance with the SA8000® standard requirements. The implementation of the SA8000® Standard and its certification does not eliminate the risk of social inequality in the workplace, but it certainly constitutes a significant step forward in combating it. This certification serves as a third-party verification of an organization’s commitment to ethical labor practices and social responsibility.
What are the benefits of obtaining certification?
The Certification with the “SA8000®” logo will assist every Organization to gain:
- Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrates a commitment to Social Accountability and ethical business practices, improving the organization’s public image and credibility.
- Improved Employee Morale: Ensures fair treatment of employees, leading to higher job satisfaction, motivation, and retention.
- Operational Efficiency: Promotes better working conditions, which can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.
- Risk Management: Helps identify and address risks related to labor practices, reducing the likelihood of legal issues and reputational damage.
- Market Access: Opens opportunities for business activities with socially responsible companies and meets the requirements of customers and markets that prioritize ethical practices.
- Customer Trust: Builds trust with customers who are increasingly concerned about the ethical aspects of their purchases.
- Competitive Advantage: Differentiates the organization from competitors by showcasing its commitment to high Social Accountability standards.
- Compliance and Monitoring: Ensures compliance with national and international labor laws and standards and provides a framework for continuous monitoring and improvement.
- Stakeholder Relations: Strengthens relationships with stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees, and the community, by demonstrating a commitment to Social Accountability.
- Supply Chain Management: Encourages better practices throughout the supply chain, as suppliers and partners may also adopt similar standards to maintain business relationships.
- Reduces risk of negative publicity: By proactively addressing social responsibility concerns, organizations can mitigate the risk of negative publicity associated with unethical labor practices.
Complying with SA8000® requirements also means contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in Agenda (2030) of the United Nations. Through the implementation of corporate policies that are essential to acquiring SA8000 certification, companies are actively progressing towards achieving several SDGs, such as those associated with promoting decent working conditions and economic growth (SDG 8), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), gender equality (SDG 5) and providing fair wages to combat poverty (SDG 1). Therefore, it represents a valuable tool for companies since its framework facilitates a harmonious alignment of corporate social responsibility practices with the broader objectives of sustainable development.
Choosing the SA8000® Standard and Certification System and TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas adds value to every organization through the reliability and strength reflected by both the TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas and SAI brand names, highlighting the Organization’s commitment to providing products and services with practices that reflect its Social Accountability.
What is the certification process?
To certify an organization under the “SA8000®” Certification Scheme, the following steps must be taken:
- Registration to SAI’s special platform (www.database.sa-intl.org) and creation of a registration account, by the Organization for Certification.
- Completion (by the Organization) of the special Self-Assessment questionnaire, which is available in the SAI Database, and selection of TÜV AUSTRIA as the Certification Body. The self-assessment helps interested organizations understand the requirements of SA8000® in terms of their management system and assess their readiness to apply for certification.
- Submission of the required fee to SAI to complete the scoring of the Self-Assessment and release the ranking, based on the set criteria.
- Submission of the “SA8000®” Certification Application to TÜV AUSTRIA
- Acceptance of financial terms and conditions of cooperation (contract and Certification Regulation).
- Scheduling and conducting the audit. It is optional to carry out a pre-assessment audit before carrying out the initial audit.
- Certification of the Organization upon successful completion of the audit
- Upon completion of the certification, continual monitoring of the Organization’s compliance through audits at predetermined intervals over a three-year cycle.
Detailed instructions for registering in the SAI Database as well as completing the Self-Assessment are posted here:
https://sa-intl.org/resources/sa8000-getting-started/
More information about the certification process can be found here: SA8000- Social Accountability – TÜV AUSTRIA HELLAS (tuvaustriahellas.gr).
Who Is it Addressed To?
The certification is addressed to all businesses regardless of their size or field of activity, for organizations of all types, in any industry, and in any country to conduct business in a way that is fair and decent for workers and to demonstrate their adherence to the highest social standards.
Who can I contact for certification?
For more information, please contact us at the following numbers:
Athens: Tel.: (+30) 210 5220920
Thessaloniki: Tel.: (+30) 2310 941100
Heraklion Crete: Tel.: (+30) 2810 244150
Mytilene : Tel.: (+30) 22510 40504-5
or send e-mail to certification@tuv.at