SA8000 Capabilities
Presentation
a. SA8000 – An overview
b. The need for SA8000
c. IQNet - Global SA8000 capability
d. Introduction to IQNet Ltd
2
a. SA8000 – An overviewa. SA8000 – An overview
3
What is SA8000
- Standard for the improvement of working conditions
- Promotes ethical and fair treatment of workers
- Incorporates international human rights conventions
- Developed by Social Accountability International (SAI), now known as Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS)
a. SA8000 – An overviewa. SA8000 – An overview
4
Why have a Standard
to ensure that labour standards for workers are respected
to be transparent and use an independent verification of company practices
to avoid practices that violate human rights and avoid turning a ‘blind eye’ to suppliers which violate human rights
a. SA8000 – An overviewa. SA8000 – An overview
5
Development of SA8000
World Conventions:
• Freedom of association & collective bargaining• Freedom from forced labor• Abolition of child labor• Freedom from discrimination
Also covers Fairness:
• Provisions for a basic living wage• Definition of long working hours• Health and safety in the workplace
a. SA8000 – An overviewa. SA8000 – An overview
6
What does SA8000 cover
1. Child Labor2. Forced Labor3. Health & Safety4. Freedom of Association & Right to Collective Bargaining5. Discrimination6. Disciplinary Practices7. Working Hours8. Remuneration9. Management Systems
a. SA8000 – An overviewa. SA8000 – An overview
7
What does SA8000 cover
Supplier Supplier Supplier
Sub-supplier Sub-supplier Sub-supplier
1st Tier
2nd Tier
SupplierSupplier Supplier
Company
Su
pp
ly Ch
aina. SA8000 – An overviewa. SA8000 – An overview
8
Who is involved
NGOsMULTI-NATIONALS
CERTIFYING BODIES
CONSUMERS
WORKERS
UNIONS
HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS
SHAREHOLDERS
SUPPLY CHAIN
GOVERNMENTS
a. SA8000 – An overviewa. SA8000 – An overview
9
b. The need for SA8000b. The need for SA8000
10
Why now
Need to standardise suitable working conditions:
• around the world due to ‘globalisation’
• because of varying codes of conduct in different industries
• to have a standardised certification process (assess conformity)
• to establish a baseline for consistency and comparison
b. The need for SA8000b. The need for SA8000
11
Greater expansion of markets
Job shifts from developed to developing countries
Competition between countries to be low-cost producers and attract investors
Impacts of globalisation:
b. The need for SA8000b. The need for SA8000
12
Effects of globalisation:
Benefits: - More business opportunities - Economic growth potential
Disadvantages: - Declining workplace conditions - Wages that do not support a family - Less job security - More restrictions on trade unions
b. The need for SA8000b. The need for SA8000
13
Triple Bottom Line
ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL
SOCIAL
SUSTAINABILITY
b. The need for SA8000b. The need for SA8000
14
Managing business risks:
Excessive overtime hours
Neglect of safety equipment
Children hired in secret
Suppliers not truthful
Bullysupervisors
Discrimination
Wages not enough to live on
Injury
Death
Higher Reject Rate
Less Productivity
Buyer Boycott
Brand Value
Illegal
b. The need for SA8000b. The need for SA8000
15
b. The need for SA8000b. The need for SA8000
Example - Child Labour
Asia Pacific region 127.3 million child workers (aged 5-14 years old)
Sub-Saharan Africa 29% of children (under 15) are sent to work
Latin America 17.4 million child workers
Industrialised & transition economies 2.5 million children are working
Regional Estimates: Courtesy of
16
b. The need for SA8000b. The need for SA8000
Courtesy of UNICEF
Courtesy of ILO
Example - Child Labour
17
b. The need for SA8000b. The need for SA8000
Sialkot Pakistan
Business Impact
NIKE was accused of
using child labour in
the production of its
footballs in Pakistan.
OUTCOMES:
- Damaged reputation - Brand devaluation - Consumer boycott
18
c. IQNet - Global SA8000 capabilityc. IQNet - Global SA8000 capability
19
IQNet Capabilities
Global Certification: - About 20 IQNet Partners SA8000 capable - More than 60 auditors qualified - Potential coverage exceeding 50 countries
Local Service Delivery: - Auditing resources locally deployed - Knowledge of local labour laws / codes - Local language capabilities (essential for worker interviews)
c. IQNet - Global SA8000 capabilityc. IQNet - Global SA8000 capability
20
IQNet Capabilities
Credibility and Consistency:
- IQNet Partners : Leaders in their region
- Key stakeholder involvement (eg UNICEF)
- Auditing resources “calibrated” (global training initiative)
c. IQNet - Global SA8000 capabilityc. IQNet - Global SA8000 capability
21
IQNet Certification Path
c. IQNet - Global SA8000 capabilityc. IQNet - Global SA8000 capability
IQNet SA8000 Assessment Process
Application Pre-Visit Certification Audit
Surveillance Audit
Re-certification Audit
22
d. Introduction to IQNet Ltdd. Introduction to IQNet Ltd
23
24
25
Accreditation Granted 1st May 2007
Contact DetailsTony Di PalmaManaging Director
Bollwerk 31P.O. Box CH-3001 BernSwitzerlandPhone +41 31 310 24 40Fax +41 31 310 24 49Mobile +41 79 830 43 21
www.iqnet-ltd.com