SA 8000:2014 is a standard for social accountability in the workplace. In essence, social accountability means managing business activities in a manner that respects and promotes the basic human rights of all workers.
Social accountability expectations can vary from one company to another. Fair compensation, reasonable working hours, a safe and healthy environment and prohibition of child labour and forced labour are common to all codes. Some codes add requirements for non-discrimination, freedom of association, disciplinary practices, or management system controls. A few mix in non-social issues such as drug interdiction, customs issues, or basic environmental controls. Expectations of the level of conformance to each of the above issues also vary dependent upon the code or standard selected. The absolute minimum expectation would be compliance with applicable laws, however this is often inadequate from the viewpoint of civil society and more stringent criteria are usually adopted.
Social accountability requirements
- No child labour
- No forced labour
- Health and safety at the workplace
- Freedom of association and right to collective bargaining
- No discrimination on race, creed, caste and sex
- Disciplinary practices
- Working Hours
- Remuneration
- Management Systems