Saint Mary’s University (SMU) upholds its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through a comprehensive framework of ethical employment practices, and transparent governance. The University prioritizes the economic security and dignity of its personnel by ensuring that the compensation for all regular staff and faculty meets or surpasses regional living wage standards. Fundamentally, SMU upholds all labor rights, including the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, by formally recognizing a labor union for all employees, encompassing women and international staff. This is coupled with robust policies that eliminate discrimination in the workplace and establish a firm commitment against all forms of unethical labor.

Furthermore, SMU maintains a policy of pay scale equity where remuneration is determined solely by objective criteria like qualifications, experience, and performance, thus ensuring gender pay gaps are eliminated. This ethical responsibility extends to guaranteeing equivalent labor rights and fair treatment for workers employed by third-party outsourcing service providers. These measures collectively reflect SMU’s role as a socially responsible employer dedicated to fostering a just, equitable, and professional working environment for all stakeholders.