Setting standards for a just world Social Accountability International Setting standards for a just world Marisa Parmigiani, Lisbon 29th June Setting Standards for a just world

Social Accountability International Convenes key stakeholders to develop consensus-based voluntary social standards Accredits qualified organizations to verify compliance to standards Promotes understanding and implementation of voluntary social standards worldwide

Why Social Standards? Workers seek decent workplaces and sustainable jobs to support their families Companies seek to gain a competitive advantage and financial benefits through better social practices Governments seek to promote economic development which benefits all members of society Consumers seek to make informed purchasing decisions

What is unique about SA8000? Global Verifiable Applicable to any sector Developed by business, NGOs and trade unions together

Assuring Humane Workplaces SA8000 is based on international norms: International Labor Organization conventions UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on Rights of the Child. SA8000 embeds management systems which ensure that improvements are sustainable, not transient.

SA8000 Core Elements No Child Labor No Forced Labor Health & Safety Freedom of Association Freedom from Discrimination Disciplinary Practices Restricted Work Hours Compensation to Meet Basic Needs Management System for Continuous Improvement

SA8000 Impact Certifications now cover nearly 234,000 workers in 39 countries and 39 industries

Who Benefits from Improved Labor Standards? Workers Increased skills through training Fewer on-the-job injuries and work-related health problems Improved communications with employers to improve workplace Opportunity to organize and bargain collectively

Who Benefits from Improved Labor Standards? Suppliers Improved management systems for more cost effective and reliable operations Expanded access to foreign markets Reduced worker absenteeism and turnover

Who Benefits from Improved Labor Standards? Buyers More effective and reliable supply chain Measurable corporate social responsibility track record Improved employee recruitment, retention and performance Better risk management

SAI In Action: Overview Accredits certification bodies Trains SA8000 auditors and implementers Fosters local capacity Engages global buyers, local trade unions, NGOs, industry associations and government agencies

SAI Around the World Europe and the Middle East Belgium Poland Czech Republic Portugal Denmark Romania Finland Slovenia France Spain Germany Sweden Greece Switzerland Hungary Syria Italy Turkey Netherlands UK Asia Bangladesh China India Indonesia Japan Korea Laos Malaysia Pakistan Philippines Singapore Sri Lanka Taiwan Thailand Vietnam North America US Mexico Central and South America Africa Argentina Brazil Chile Costa Rica Ecuador Guatemala Honduras Peru Ghana Kenya Lesotho Mauritius South Africa SAI Offices

SAI In Action: Training SAI has carried out training in 30 countries on five continents In 2003 alone SAI reached nearly 2,000 people through its courses for workers, facility managers and auditors SAI offers: Worker and Manager Training Auditor Training Supplier Training Custom Training

SAI In Action: China Program Goals: Improve workplace conditions, working with local managers and workers. Promote worker participation, free association & participatory management systems. Address women workers’ needs. Build capacity locally among emerging independent worker rights groups.

SAI In Action: Vietnam Program goals: Promote the rule of law. Demonstrate benefits of implementing standards Foster local capacity and expertise to sustain workplace improvements Assure the integrity of SA8000 certifications

SAI In Action: Guatemala Program Goals: To contribute to sustainable economic development in Guatemala by promoting: A culture of corporate social responsibility Compliance with internationally recognized labor standards

SAI In Action Program goals: Social Accountability in Sustainable Agriculture Program goals: To develop global, harmonized guidelines for social, environmental and fair trade auditing & standard setting in agriculture To explore joint certifications, integrated audits and complimentary training systems

SAI’s Partners Brands Trade Unions NGOs Government Agencies Gap, Timberland, Toys R Us, Eileen Fisher, Chiquita, Dole, Coop Trade Unions International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation Union Network International NGOs CARE USA, Rainforest Alliance, COVERCO, Chinese Working Women’s Network, Institute for Contemporary Observation Government Agencies US Department of State, USAID, HIVOS, European Commission

Social Accountability International Contact Us Social Accountability International 220 East 23rd Street Suite 605 New York, NY 10010 1-212-684-1414 (phone) 1-212-684-1515 (fax) info@sa-intl.org www.sa-intl.org