Facebook is implementing a new set of standards on pay and benefits for its contractors and suppliers in the United States (US).
The social networking site has stipulated that contractors and vendors that supply services and products to Facebook must pay their workers a minimum hourly rate of $15, as well as provide holiday and parental benefits.
In the US, the minimum wage is set at $7.25 per hour.
The other benefits include a minimum 15 paid days off for holidays and sick time, and a $4,000 new child benefit for new parents who do not receive paid parental leave. This is intended to give both male and female staff the flexibility to take paid parental leave.
The new standards came into effect on 1 May.
Facebook has already put these standards in place for some of its largest support teams at its Menlo Park headquarters in California and plans to implement the programme with a broader set of suppliers within the year.
In a statement Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer at Facebook, said: “Taking these steps is the right thing to do for our business and our community.
“Women, because they comprise about two-thirds of minimum wage workers nationally, are particularly affected by wage adjustments.
“Providing adequate benefits contributes to a happier and, ultimately, more productive workforce.
“We are committed to providing a safe, fair work environment to everyone who helps Facebook connect the world. This is an important step forward in this work for us.”
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