October Newsletter

Remembering Doug DeRuisseau

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of our long-time colleague, mentor, and friend, Doug DeRuisseau. Doug was a driving force since the early years of SAI and in the early movement toward greater accountability for business’s impact on people. As our first lead trainer and accreditation auditor, Doug was a true mentor and friend to so many of our team and beyond, leaving an enduring impact at SAI and across many other organizations working to advance rights for workers. We share our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and to all those who admired and were touched by his energy and dedication.

“Thousands of people all over the world will miss him, and deservedly so. We were lucky to know him and work with him for a long time as we did.” – Eileen Kohl Kaufman, Executive Director Emerita, SAI

SA8000 Standard Revision Public Comment Period

SAI is currently undertaking a full revision of our SA8000 Standard for Decent Work. The purpose of this revision is to ensure that SA8000 continues to serve as a leading benchmark for ethical workplaces at all levels of the value chain, reflecting evolving human rights risks and good practices.

Public Comment Period (September 16 - November 15, 2024): The draft Standard is posted online and we invite anyone with an interest in the future of decent work to review and provide comments, feedback, and suggestions.

Feedback Webinars: SAI will be hosting SA8000:2025 feedback webinars as an additional opportunity to provide input to the drafted Standard. Webinars are open to all. Even if you plan to attend a webinar, we encourage you to also complete the webform during the public comment period. This will help us focus discussion during the webinars.

Date	Time	Language	Registration Link
November 26, 2024	10:30AM - 11:30AM EST	Spanish	Register - November 26
December 3, 2024	10:30AM - 11:30AM IST	English	Register - December 3
December 4, 2024	10:00AM - 11:00AM EST	English	Register - December 4
December 5, 2024	11:00AM - 12:00PM CST	Mandarin	Register - December 5
December 6, 2024	2:00PM - 3:00PM CEST	Italian	Register - December 6
To be announced	To be announced	Portuguese	To be announced

Palma Futuro Team Spotlight: Luisa Trujillo

For the past five years, the Palma Futuro project has built up robust social performance systems to improve conditions for workers at every level of the palm oil supply chain in Colombia and Ecuador. As Palma Futuro comes to a close, we will be sharing stories that highlight the impact and sustainability of the project.

This month, we are sharing a Q&A with Palma Futuro's Community Engagement Coordinator in Ecuador, Luisa Trujillo. Luisa worked closely with six communities in Ecuador to raise awareness about child labor and forced labor prevention, while also connecting them with vital resources and learning relevant to their unique needs.