July 2025 Newsletter

Public Comment Period

Translations of SA8000:2026 Working Draft


The public comment period for draft translations of the SA8000:2026 (Working Draft) is open until August 11, 2025. If you are a bilingual user of the SA8000 system, we are seeking your input. 


The purpose of this review period is to ensure that the intent and interpretation of the Working Draft are maintained when translated into key languages (Chinese, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese). Accurate and clear translation of the Standard across languages is essential – now is your opportunity to play a role in ensuring that clarity.  


We welcome comments from any interested stakeholders on the accuracy and effectiveness of the translations. Comments on the translations will be reviewed by a committee of technical experts with proficiency in the relevant languages. Visit our website for more information and instructions on how to provide comments. 

MY Voice Project Comes to a Close  


The MY Voice project (funded by USDOL) began in December 2021, focusing on reducing child labor and forced labor in the palm oil and garment sectors in Malaysia. The project aimed to strengthen worker voice in implementation efforts across four key areas—supply chain management, advocacy and engagement, remediation support systems, and labor enforcement.  


As MY Voice comes to an early close, we are proud to reflect on the project’s impact, made possible by the dedicated efforts of the project team and many stakeholders committed to improving the lives of workers in Malaysia. Some examples of the project’s impact include:


  • 99 community facilitators from 15 organizations (CSOs, worker groups, and unions) were trained on awareness raising, skills enhancement, and institutional capacity.
  • 137 local labor inspectors were trained on topics including forced labor, child protection, gender-based discrimination, and effective investigation and interview strategies. 
  • 229 members of the National Union of Plantation Workers (NUPW), including migrant workers, were trained on forced labor, child labor, anti-discrimination, and effective communication. 
  • An improved version of the Just Good Work App was launched, available in nine languages and updated for recent changes in labor laws.
  • Launched the MY Voice Child Rights Action Hub, which trained hundreds of stakeholders in Malaysia’s palm oil sector, including case managers, teachers, companies, and more to address child labor in their supply chains and communities.

Social Accountability Consultant Registry


Skilled consultants can not only help companies navigate and apply social standards and requirements but also go beyond auditing to embed changes in daily operations. Our Social Accountability Consultant Registry elevates and recognizes committed consultants who demonstrate a baseline level of relevant training and experience. Learn more. 


Registered Social Accountability Consultants also gain access to exclusive SAI resources, such as marketing tips and roundtable events for consultants to come together to share learnings. 


Interested in becoming a Registered Consultant? Our next virtual Social Accountability Consultant Course is scheduled for September 15 - 17. See our website for details and registration information.



The Anker Research Institute

The Anker Research Institute and the Brazilian Center for Analysis and Planning (CEBRAP) recently released 10 new living wage and income estimates for workers and producers in Pernambuco, Paraíba, and Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.⁠ Read the press release.  


The Anker Research Institute is the independent research partner of the Global Living Wage Coalition (GLWC) and SAI is the institutional host.

Upcoming Trainings & Events

Webinar: Get to know SAI


Join us for an online webinar on August 12! Learn more about SAI’s programming, training courses, and custom projects for brands and employers during this free event. Register here.  


📅 August 12, 2025 

5:00 PM Bangladesh Standard Time / 7:00 PM Malaysia & China Standard Time 

Introduction to Living Wages


We are excited to announce this new on-demand training, introducing key concepts of living wages and their importance for responsible business conduct. In this course, participants will:


  • Learn how living wages differ from minimum wages, their relevance in international guidelines, and how to understand and address wages through human rights due diligence frameworks.
  • Examine the Anker Methodology's seven steps for estimating a living wage and review high level approaches to assessing current wages.
  • Gain an understanding of how companies can identify and address wage-related risks as part of broader due diligence processes.
  • Look at practical strategies for implementing and integrating living wage commitments into company policies, sourcing practices, and supply chains.

IRIS Ethical Recruitment Auditor Training Course

📍 Jakarta, Indonesia | September 8 - 12 (English)


Social Accountability Consultant Training Course

💻 Virtual | September 15 - 17 (English)


SA8000 Introduction & Basic Auditor Training Course

📍 Dhaka, Bangladesh | August 4 - 8 (English)

📍 New Delhi | August 18 - 22 (English)

📍 Medellin, Colombia | August 25 - 29 (Spanish)

📍 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | September 8 - 12 (English)

📍 Stockholm, Sweden | September 22 - 26 (English)

📍 New York City, USA | October 6 - 10 (English)

📍 Dubai, UAE | October 13 - 17 (English)

📍 Lima, Peru | October 20 - 24 (Spanish)

📍 Lagos, Nigeria | October 27 - 31 (English)

📍 Bangkok, Thailand | November 10 - 14 (English)

📍 Rome, Italy | November 24 - 28 (Italian)

📍 Coimbatore, India | November 24 - 28 (English)

📍 Tokyo, Japan | December 1 - 5 (English)

📍 Colombo, Sri Lanka | December 1 - 5 (English)



SA8000 Advanced Lead Auditor Training Course

📍 Shenzhen, China | September 10 - 12 (Chinese)

📍 Capaccio, Italy | October 1 - 3 (Italian)

Careers

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