Principles

The fundamental focus of SA8000 is to improve working conditions around the world. This intent has pioneered the way forward for organisations to improve and demonstrate their corporate social responsibility (CSR).

SA8000 does not only include requirements about protecting human rights in the workplace, but it also provides the necessary framework for developing policies, procedures, practices and controls to make sure that such practices are systematically upheld.

The requirements of SA8000:2014 are detailed within the following categories:

1.  Child Labour: Ensure that child and under aged labour is not utilized

2.  Forced and Compulsory Labour: Avoid the use of forced labour including prison or debt bondage labour

3.  Health and Safety: Provide a safe and healthy work environment

4.  Freedom of association and rights to collective bargaining: Respect the right to form and join trade unions and bargaining collectively

5.  Discrimination: Prohibit discrimination in the workplace

6.  Disciplinary Practices: Avoid the use of physical punishment, mental or verbal abuse

7.  Working hours: Act in accordance with the applicable national and international laws and industry standards

8.  Remuneration: Provide wages that meet legal and industry standards and are sufficient to meet the basic need of workers and their families and ensure some discretionary income

9.  Management Systems: Implement an effective management system to ensure that the organisation’s policies and practices comply with SA8000 requirements and other applicable laws and international instruments and ensure a continuous improvement of its ethical performance.

By comparison, SA8000:2026 combines the same human rights principles as in the previous version, with the addition of Privacy and with a stronger management system approach. The Standard is structured into:

Foundational Criteria: Establish the overarching expectations for organizations applying the SA8000 Standard

Management System – Governance and Due Diligence Principles and Criteria: Describe the due diligence approach organizations must take to ensure decent work across their operations and business relationships:

•  M1: Leadership Commitment, Involvement and Integration

•  M2: Worker Involvement and Integration

•  M3: Stakeholder Involvement and Integration

•  M4: Policy Commitment and Coherence

•  M5: Context, Impacts, and Risks

•  M6: Objectives, Planning and Resources

•  M7: Awareness and Implementation

•  M8: Integrity and Transparency

•  M9: Monitoring and Grievance Mechanisms

•  M10: Strategic Analysis, Review and Continual Improvement

Decent Work Principles and Performance Criteria: Describe the human rights associated with decent work and the specific criteria to ensure workers enjoy their rights.

•  D1: Protection of Children and Young Workers

•  D2: Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining

•  D3: Free and Fair Recruitment, Employment and Termination

•  D4: Decent Hours, Wages and Benefits

•  D5: Freedom from Discrimination

•  D6: Health and Safety

•  D7: Privacy

The detailed set of requirements and practical comparison between SA8000:2014 and SA8000:2026 can be retrieved in the Resource Hub section.