As workplaces and supply chains evolve to reflect the changing world around us, so do risks to workers’ rights. In an increasingly connected world, issues such as climate change, labor migration, and artificial intelligence require us to take collective and thoughtful approaches to upholding human rights at work. At the same time, systemic labor risks related to wages, discrimination, and working conditions, among others, remain ongoing challenges throughout supply chains – underscoring the need for due diligence at all levels. It is with all these challenges in mind that SAI has undertaken the current revision of our SA8000 Standard for Decent Work.
Structured around aspirational human rights principles, SA8000 is based on internationally recognized standards of decent work, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ILO conventions, UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights, and national laws. At the same time, it provides a practical implementation framework, applying a management-systems approach to social performance, grounded in leadership commitment and the involvement of workers and stakeholders. Aligning with emerging due diligence regulations around the world, it emphasizes continual improvement and adaptability to new and varied labor risks.
SAI relies on a consultative process and the inclusion of diverse stakeholder perspectives in undertaking this revision process. Regular revisions provide opportunities for engagement and ensure that the Standard continues to serve as a leading benchmark for ethical workplaces at all levels of the value chain. Last year, SAI held 13 workshops across 10 countries to gather feedback on our initial draft materials and input to inform future stages of the drafting process. After consolidating this input with feedback from stakeholders since the last revision, we now invite anyone with an interest in human rights at work to review and provide input to the drafted Standard during our public comment period.
We look forward to your insights and appreciate your support of SAI’s work to advance human rights for workers around the world.
