Social Fingerprint� Webinar
Using a Process-Based System for Social Performance
March 20 2012 (FREE)
Social Fingerprint� Online Courses
-Getting Started in Your Company
- Building Your Internal Social Performance Team
SA8000� Online Auditor Training Courses
SA8000� Revision Course
March 12-16, Shenzhen, China
March 12-16, Sao Paulo, Brazil
March 26-30, Yokohama, Japan
April 2-6, Shenzhen, China
April 2-6, New Delhi, India
March 5-7, Shenzhen, China
March 12-14, Bologna, Italy
March 19-21, Bangalore, India
March 21-23, Yokohama, Japan
April 9-11, Shanghai, China
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SA8000� Foundation Course
DNV, March 13
(Pune, India)
SA8000� Internal Auditor Course
DNV, March 29-30
(Kolkata, India)
Ethical Sourcing Forum 2012
Intertek, March 29
(New York, NY)
Green Festival
Green America, April 21-22
(New York, NY)
ISEAL Conference 2012
ISEAL Alliance, May 29-30
(Bonn, Germany)
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Social Accountability International (SAI) is a non-profit, multi-stakeholder organization established to advance the human rights of workers by promoting decent work conditions, labor rights, and corporate social responsibility through voluntary standards and capacity building.
SAI is headquartered in the United States with field representation in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, India, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Philippines, Switzerland, and UAE.
SAI- Human Rights at Work
For newsletter inquiries contact:
SAI Communications Manager
Joleen Ong, jong@sa-intl.org |
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 EILEEN FISHER on Preventing Human Trafficking with SB657 and SA8000�Interview with EILEEN FISHER's Luna Lee: commitment with SA8000� enables compliance with California Transparency in Supply Chain Act
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EILEEN FISHER's Human Rights Associate Luna Lee (second from right) with home workers (left) in West Bengal, Sept 2011
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On September 30, 2010, the State of California signed into law the California Transparency in Supply Chain Act (SB657) requiring all companies, retailers and manufacturers with annual sales of $100 million or more that do business in California to disclose their efforts to eliminate human trafficking and slavery from their supply chains. SAI Corporate Program member EILEEN FISHER is one of the many companies that must comply with the Act. Among the California requirements are actions to ensure disclosure of "to what extent if any" a company engages in the five following activities: verification; auditing; certification; internal accountability; and training. SAI Communications Manager Joleen Ong spoke with EILEEN FISHER's Human Rights Associate Luna Lee, to learn more about what actions it has taken to comply with the act. According to the ILO, at least 12.3 million people are victims of forced labor worldwide, with an estimated 80% occurring in the private sector economy. Even for companies that do not employ forced labor directly, common practices such as subcontracting and supplier business practices can present a risk.
The Act, which came into effect on January 1, 2012, signifies a movement towards a more transparent supply chain. Similar efforts are in progress nationally. The provisions enhance the value of SA8000�: especially for companies that are committed, or certified, to the SA8000� standard will find it supports compliance, as it is one of the few workplace certification standards that include a specific ban on human trafficking. How has this Act impacted EILEEN FISHER's business practices? What are some challenges you are facing?
We did not actually make drastic changes to our business practices because of this Act. We were already well prepared by our participation in the SAI Corporate Program. However, it certainly made us more conscious of including human trafficking and slavery into our human rights and philanthropic programs and delving deeper into our supply chain. For example, we have been surveying our second tier suppliers on various materials such as cotton, down and merino wool over the last 2 years.
Recently, we decided to incorporate a 'social tech' sheet into our fabric and yarn approval process, in addition to the regular tech sheet and eco tech sheet. The purpose of this tech sheet is to gather information related to certain raw materials that might be associated with human rights or animal welfare issues before a bulk order is placed.
We also included questions on labor standards, worker population and recruitment processes. We hope to engage our second tier suppliers in our human rights dialogue going forward. We also started participating in design meetings to help inform our designers on issues related to certain raw materials. Since this design for decent work approach is a new process, it will be interesting to see what challenges we will face when we come to the intersection of business versus values.
On the philanthropic side, we have been donating to organizations working on this issue since 2005 because it disproportionately affects women and girls, a grant focus of EILEEN FISHER. This Spring, we will partner with the Not For Sale Campaign along with our wholesale partner Bloomingdale's to support Not For Sale's Amsterdam Red Light District project to help create new futures for survivors of sex slavery.
How has SA8000� played a role in enabling compliance?
Interestingly, we found out that SA8000� is one of the few labor standards that already included human trafficking, it's under the forced and compulsory labor section (2.4). As a company that uses SA8000� and the ETI Base Code as our labor standards, we felt that we were already in compliance with the Act, without having to add a statement saying that this is a new issue on our radar.
Can you describe how EILEEN FISHER is taking action to comply with the five required activities?
We sent a letter to all of our first tier suppliers (31 total) to inform them about the law, along with some educational materials on the topic and the supplier's country law on the issue. We also asked them to fill out a survey to help us assess where we could be vulnerable to human trafficking and slavery in our supply chain.
As a company that works very closely with our mills to create new and innovative fabrics and yarns, we felt that as a brand should we be the one ensuring that materials incorporated into our products are not tainted with human trafficking and slavery. The social tech sheet would allow us to identify some red flags and engage our mills in social dialogues prior to placing a bulk order.
Instead of focusing on the auditing, we feel that training is the key to engaging our supply chain in tackling this global issue. We have had a supply chain training program in China for almost 10 years and decided to incorporate human trafficking and slavery into the training last year. We believe that by giving our workers and managers the knowledge and tools, they will then be change agents in their individual communities. We have also held 3 training programs for our employees and sourcing and production agent.
Though not required by the Act, we have also included a section on our disclosure to educate our consumers on how they could be part of the solution. Consumer activism is actually something that is relatively new to us. We also have started to engage our own employees through internal articles and Human Rights Day pop quiz.
How much of an impact do you think this Act will have on the broader efforts to eliminate human trafficking?An interesting thing that we keep noticing is that people seem to be taken aback by the terms "human trafficking" and "slavery", as if there is a sense of denial that this issue still exists today. This Act has definitely brought the issue to the forefront for many companies. Because there is so much attention on the topic now, companies are spending more time and resources on it, which will help the nonprofits working on this issue with their efforts on the ground. It is encouraging to see similar legislation in progress nationally as well. One day, these terms progress from being taboo, just as did domestic violence and AIDS used to be.
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Magen Tzedek Certification Offers Ethical Assurance
After 3 years of development with SAI & SAAS, the Magen Tzedek Certification program is 'open for business'
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The Magen Tzedek 'Shield of Justice' certification seal
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In 2008, a commission was formed by prominent leaders of Conservative Judaism to develop a set of ethical standards to certify kosher food manufacturers in the US. After three years, the Magen Tzedek Certification program is officially "open for business."
Since the beginning, SAI and SAAS partnered with the Magen Tzedek Commission to leverage expertise in building socially responsible audit programs. Led by SAAS Project Manager Salah Husseini, SAAS and SAI worked with the commission to develop policies and procedures needed for sustainable implementation of the Magen Tzedek standards. The team also worked to design and implement an effective system for verifying that practices are just and sustainable.
The cornerstone of the program is the Magen Tzedek Standard, a proprietary set of requirements that meet or exceed industry best practices for treatment of workers, animals, and the Earth; delineating the criteria a food manufacturer must meet to achieve certification. This 'Shield of Justice' certification seal is available only for products that already carry a traditional Hekhsher seal from an authorized kosher certification agency. It is not a replacement, but rather a complementary enhancement to a brand's reputation.
For kosher food manufacturers and processors interested in becoming certified, the program assures that their products are manufactured consistent with the Jewish tradition of justice and ethics. The complete Magen Tzedek Standard, initially posted on the Magen Tzedek website in 2009 for public comment, has been finalized and outlines the criteria for earning certification to the Magen Tzedek seal:
Magen Tzedek Standard - The complete and final standard governing compliance with the Magen Tzedek Seal of Justice.
Magen Tzedek Certification Application
* Self-Study Form allows applicants the opportunity to gauge their degree of compliance with the requirements of the Magen Tzedek Certification Standard, prior to a formal application. * Pre-Screen Application Form identifies and collects relevant company information and practices for the formal audit process. This document must be completed and submitted to the Magen Tzedek Commission as the first step in the application process. - Prescribes the procedures, criteria and methodologies that an audit firm must follow in carrying out the assessment of an entity that applies for Magen Tzedek Certification. This document also informs kosher food manufacturers and processors on how the audit process will proceed.
The U.S. kosher food industry is important in the overall food industry. It is estimated that over 40% of packaged foods in America have a kosher mark. The Magen Tzedek certification seal can be placed on a wide range of grocery products including meat/poultry, dairy, dry grocery, canned/bottled goods, refrigerated/frozen products and baked goods.
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RAGS Project: Invitation to Garment Suppliers in IndiaLimited seats available - Opportunity to increase social performance for sustainability and enhance business opportunities with UK brands
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SAI's RAGS Project looks specifically at the garment sector, and focuses on gender discrimination and home worker issues.
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Starting mid-2012, SAI's RAGS Project will roll out its suite of supplier trainings in India aimed at enhancing suppliers' social performance, looking specifically at topics such as gender discrimination and home worker issues in the supply chain
These trainings are available at a subsidized cost, and offer an excellent opportunity for garment suppliers with limited budgets to both build internal capacity, and to connect with participating buyers from the US and UK. It is also an ideal way to train multiple staff members on these issues.
For suppliers, inherent benefits of participation include its alignment to national structures, including the Government of India's National Voluntary Guidelines (NVG). The onsite trainings also aim to help build supplier capacity to meet the proposed Apparel Export Promotion Council (APEC) standard known as "DISHA."
These trainings will be carried out in two phases: in the classroom, and on-site in the factories. Thirty factories will be accepted to participate in the onsite trainings. For classroom trainings, 100 factories can register; participants will receive a certificate of participation.
Classrooms trainings will include two modules: 1) gender discrimination; and 2) based on suppliers' needs: either 1) Home Worker Engagement with the Ethical Trading Initiative-UK; or 2) Management Systems for Supply Chain. Each module is one full day. Training will take place in April, May and June 2012 in Delhi, Bangalore and Tirupur- dates and venues will be released soon. The on-site trainings in factories include two modules: 1) Worker-Supervisor Communication (2 days); and 2) Build an Internal Social Performance Team (3 days). The trainings will be based on SAI's Social Fingerprint program, and on developing management systems to improve social compliance. Local regional languages will be integrated in materials and spoken by trainers. Training will take place in July 2012 - January 2013.
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Building the Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge for Social AuditsSAI releases its updated and enhanced SA8000� Advanced Auditor Training Course, featuring an interactive online training component and full day simulated audit
SAI is pleased to announce updates and enhancements to its Advanced SA8000� Auditor Training course. As of February, SAI's SA8000� Advanced Auditor Training Course consists of two components:
1) Online training component - "SA8000� Advanced Auditor Pre-Requisite Online Course" AND 2) Classroom training component - "3-day SA8000�Advanced Auditor Classroom Course"
"The goal is to promote a stimulating, value-added learning environment," said SAI Senior Manager of Corporate Programs and Training Jane Hwang. "This will help to create a space where all participants enter the classroom well-prepared and are ready to engage with trainers and peers in the advanced exercises and discussions."
The online course, to be completed first, serves as a refresher for the Basic Course and as an assessment of participants' readiness to take the 3-day classroom course.
It takes an estimated 2 hours to complete the online course, which may be accessed on-demand at the participant's convenience. On-screen slides, recorded audio, and non-scored quizzes review key topics from the Basic SA8000� Auditor Training course and introduces the agenda for the Advanced classroom course. The online course concludes with a scored on-screen exam, to help participants to gauge whether they are ready for the 3-day classroom course or need more preparation. There are 2 exam attempts; any participants scoring below 80% on both attempts are strongly encouraged to postpone their participation in the classroom course.
The 3-day classroom course reinforces and develops advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes for experienced social auditors. The class builds on the collective experiences of the participants, offering insight into fundamental issues that arise on a regular basis in field assessments. Exercises and case studies brought by attendees help to provide a deeper understanding of industry and regional issues. The course includes a full-day simulated audit in the classroom including document review, worker interviews, writing non-conformance requests and conducting opening and closing meetings. "Social auditors should feel proud of the essential role they play in maintaining the integrity of SA8000�certification and other labor audits," said Ms. Hwang. "Our Advanced course is geared toward auditors' professional development, integrating the latest research in adult learning techniques as well as labor standards. Blending online and classroom training allows participants to maximize and sustain their learning. The online component increases opportunities for self-study, through on-demand resources and practice problems. It prepares students for a more dynamic classroom experience, which builds on peer-to-peer discussions and hands-on, interactive exercises as well as expert lectures."
Both online and classroom components are required for all participants - neither component is available as a standalone and one cannot be substituted for the other. Anyone who does not complete the online course or scores below 75% on both exam attempts will have 10 points deducted from the final classroom exam.
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Enroll in Global SA8000� Auditor Training Courses
International Locations & Online Courses Available | Participants at the Basic SA8000 Auditor Training in New Delhi, Nov 2011. (Credit: Sanjiv Singh)
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Upcoming: SA8000 Advanced Auditor Training Course Location: Bologna, Italy Date: March 12-14, 2012 Location: Bangalore, India Date: March 19-21, 2012 SAI training courses are designed to encourage proficiency in social compliance issues and emphasize the implementation of management systems. Learn about a management-system approach to social compliance auditing and supply chain management.
These courses are required for all SA8000� or BSCI auditors, and are also valuable for auditing to any labor code or standard. The courses are open to all, and aimed towards social auditors, buyers, suppliers and corporate compliance managers.
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Update: Cotton made in Africa Initiative
SAI is Cotton made in Africa's US-based representative. Starting with this issue, we will include a monthly round up of articles from this Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) initiative:
 Mozambique Becomes CmiA's 6th Project Country: CmiA welcomes a new project country in Southeast Africa: 75,000 smallholder cotton farmers in Mozambique will join and participate in the initiative. Now, over 420,000 African smallholder farmers will join the initiative.
 Baroness Lola Young To Be Ambassador For The Aid by Trade Foundation: The AbTF is expanding its network in Great Britain: Baroness Lola Young has come on board as the foundation's ambassador. The parliamentarian from the British Upper House wholeheartedly supports sustainable fashion from Africa.
 OTTO Austria Supports Adult Education Program for Cotton Farmers in Burkina Faso: In cooperation with the AbTF, OTTO Austria will support a school project in Burkina Faso starting in March 2012. The program will offer 5,000 African smallholder farmers who work with the CmiA initiative basic education in the form of alphabetization.
 Designer Julia Starp Designs New Line with Cotton made in Africa: The successful young designer from Hamburg, Julia Starp, has designed an eight-piece spring / summer collection exclusively for OTTO. The collection is made of, amongst other things, the sustainably produced cotton from the CmiA initiative.
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Meet SAI's New Intern: Sushmita PatelBased in Bangalore, Ms. Patel will be supporting SAI's RAGS Project
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SAI India Intern Sushmita Patel
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SAI is pleased to welcome Sushmita Patel. Based in Bangalore, Ms. Patel will be supporting the implementation of SAI's RAGS project with SAI India Project Director, Rishi Sher Singh. Ms. Patel is a Conflict Resolution practitioner, and is a certified mediator by the UK ADR Chambers. She is also a charter member of the Mediation Council of India (MeCI).
Prior to a career in conflict resolution, she worked in the Indian and Middle Eastern apparel industry for eight years, in the export and retail sectors. Outside of this internship, she enjoys spending time with her children, reading books and writing short stories and poetry.
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Highlights & Announcements
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Webinar: March 20
Using a Process-Based System for Social Performance
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Register for SAI's March Webinar on Social Fingerprint On March 20 at 2PM EDT, join SAI's Craig Moss as he demonstrates how to use a process-based system for improved social performance in the supply chain. Hosted by William Newman, Newport Consulting Group. Seats are limited, register today @bit.ly/w57cyn
SAI at the UN Human Rights Working Group Meeting in Geneva On 16-20 Jan, SAI Europe Representative Steven Oates attended the meeting of this Working Group and submitted a statement on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises @bit.ly/x4jETd
"Results in 100 Days" - Rapid Results Institute (RRI) Presentation [Video] Nadim Matta, President of RRI, presented at the NextGen Conference in Nov 2011, about RRI's 'Rapid Results Approach.' SAI's Social Fingerprint Program has partnered with RRI to incorporate its Approach in our curriculum. Watch it @bit.ly/x8paNS
Tata Steel Receives Award from CII-ITC in India Tata Steel, Tata Consultancy Services and, for the fist time, Tata Chemicals, were recognized fpr excellence by awards from the CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development. Read more @bit.ly/Av1fWM
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