B.8.    The international or national legal protection of employees is respected, and employees are paid a living wage.

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Treating workers humanely and fairly makes good business sense by establishing stable labor relationships.  International and national regulation and conventions (including ILO) establish the minimum baseline for respecting workers rights.  Wages that allow employees to afford—at minimum—the provision of basic needs such as food, health care, shelter and education is critical for alleviating poverty and improving the quality of life in the local population as well as increasing productivity and employee retention.

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Potential Indicators

•    Checklist of the following activities:

•    Salaries and benefits meet or exceed local, national and
     international regulations, (whichever are higher).

•    Payment is made into national social security system (if available)
     for qualified employees.

•    Overtime is paid for hours worked beyond the established work
     week hours and working hours must not exceed the legal
     maximums or those established by the International Labor
     Organization.

•    All employees have the right to annual paid vacation.

•    Health insurance or the equivalent is provided to all employees.

•    Employees receive training and capacity building.

•    Training & capacity building is provided for local community
      non-employee residents to develop qualified local labor force.