SA8000

Fair Trade

The SA8000 has strict criteria for fair production. The criteria of the SA8000 can be found here, along with a description of how to perform an audit for these criteria. The conditions of the SA8000 are based on the guidelines of the International Labor Organization (ILO). The following points can be found in the standard:

• No child labour, no children under 15 will be employed, or under the minimum working age if it is over 15. Young workers (under 18) do not perform dangerous work and must comply with compulsory education if applicable.
• No forced labour, so no forced labour like prison labour. Employees may leave the workplace after completing a normal working day and may resign if they give reasonable notice to do so.
• Clean and safe working conditions. This includes good sanitary facilities and a place to eat. If an employee feels unsafe, they can immediately stop what they are doing without the permission of their supervisor.
• Employees have the right to form trade unions and to collective bargaining.
• No discrimination for hiring employees, giving promotions, offering training, etc.
• Employees will be treated with respect and dignity. No corporal punishment, mental or physical coercion or verbal abuse will be used against personnel.
• Normal working hours, no more than 48 hours a week, once every 7 days off, no more than 12 hours of overtime. Overtime should not happen too often.
• Living wage. Employees receive a living wage and a higher wage for overtime. No money should be withheld as punishment.

Score: 4/4 This is exactly what we mean by fair production.