Uninor achieves exclusive workplace accreditation

This standard is one of the world’s first auditable social certification standards for decent workplaces, across all industrial sectors. It is based on conventions of the ILO, UN and National Laws.

Uninor is the first telecom service provider in the world to get this certification. This recognition stands as a testimony of Uninor’s commitment towards Social Accountability and Corporate Social Responsibility. It highlights the attention given to human rights in the workplace and providing the staff with safe and ethical work practices.

“Organizations often forget about their responsibility towards the internal members and society at large, in the pursuit of business and competitive success. We have always taken pride in providing our employees with productive and conducive work environments which adheres to the highest standard of work ethics and global best practices,” said Sumit Sharma, Chief HR Officer of Uninor.

After an extensive certification audit at Andhra Pradesh, UP West, Bihar & Jharkhand Circles and Corporate Office by the British Standards Institute, the auditors found Uninor in compliance with the strict norms laid down by SAI. It goes to portray how the organization works towards employee satisfaction, retention and maintains social responsibility standards internally and across its vast supply chain.

“The SA8000 certification of Uninor is a great achievement for Uninor and an honor to the Telenor Group. The third party certificate by BSI is a testimony of our commitment towards human rights, health and safety and responsible business practices. This focus also matters to our owners and other stakeholders. This is a milestone on our sustainability journey,” said Eric Ekern, Vice President Business Assurance in Telenor Group, who was also present on the occasion of the award ceremony at the Uninor’s Corporate Office shares.

Venkataram Arabolu, Managing Director of BSI India said on the occasion, “Uninor is a unique company that has once again demonstrated its sincerity to be a socially responsible corporate citizen by ensuring its employees are not exploited. Achieving the certification to the exacting demands of SA 8000 is proof that Uninor is a company that will grow to be the Best in Class. I am particularly impressed to note that, despite being in an industry sector where the priority is one of business, Uninor has found it important to use these good practices of employee protection. The top level commitment to sustainability is amply evident and that is so refreshing and needless to state, this is what drives an organisation to greatness, and Uninor is definitely on this path”.

Facts

The SA8000® standard spans industry and corporate codes to create a common language for measuring social compliance. Companies seeking to comply with SA8000® have to adopt policies and procedures that protect the basic human rights of workers. This management system supports sustainable implementation of the principles of SA8000®: child labor, forced and compulsory labor, health and safety, freedom of association and right to collective bargaining, discrimination, disciplinary practices, working hours, remuneration and is in line with the Telenor way of work.