This proximity offers a powerful opportunity to reflect not only on the dedication and hard work of individuals but also on the fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment.
At the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), our unique approach to fostering responsible forest management considers social issues within four key contexts: Indigenous Peoples, workers' rights, local communities, and gender. The crucial aspect of labour rights, which we are highlighting today, examines how we relate with each other at the workplace.
We understand that responsible forest management is intrinsically linked to the well-being and rights of the people who work within these vital ecosystems. For us, placing the worker at the heart of the forestry context – acknowledging their community, their gender, and their inherent rights – is paramount. We strive to ensure that every individual working in FSC-certified operations feels safe, respected, and protected.
Our commitment extends beyond mere words. FSC has zero tolerance for child labour and forced labour. We champion the freedom of association and vehemently oppose discrimination in employment. Furthermore, we are increasingly aligning our standards with global trends and the robust instruments of the International Labour Organization (ILO), particularly those recognizing the rights to health and safety. The recent new version of the ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Forestry Work that was published (March 2025) and core conventions C155 (Occupational Safety & Health) and C187 (Promotional Framework for OHAS Convention) that were elevated as part of fundamental conventions. . The recognition of April 28th as Workers' Health and Safety Day is a testament to the importance FSC places on this critical aspect of safe and healthy working environment which is a pillar of decent work as anchored in Sustainable Development goal 8
This commitment is not static. We are actively working to strengthen our Principles and Criteria to better address evolving labour issues. For example, a webinar held on April 30th, 2025, focusseding on the social aspects of responsible forest management, underscores this dedication. This vital discussion delved into the rights of Indigenous Peoples, workers' rights (including fair wages, safe working conditions, and freedom of association ), and the imperative of gender equality within the forestry sector.
Recent analysis by FSC and Assurance Services International (ASI) in 2023 further highlights our proactive approach. This risk-assessment review examined the verification and realization of core labour requirements within FSC's certification system across selected high-risk countries. The findings underscore the complexities of ensuring adherence to ILO Core Conventions in diverse legal and political landscapes, where gaps in legal frameworks and limited enforcement capacity can pose significant challenges. Factors such as political conflicts and restrictions on democratic freedoms can further impede workers' ability to exercise their rights and collective voices.
As we commemorate Workers' Day on May 1st, it's crucial to remember the significance of the ongoing work to ensure decent and safe working conditions for all. As I articulated in previous reflections on Workers' Day, the social dimension is not merely an add-on to responsible forest management; it is fundamental to its very survival. Workers, communities, and Indigenous Peoples are at the heart of forest operations. FSC's mission to promote forests that are economically viable, environmentally friendly, and socially beneficial hinges on respecting and upholding the rights of these individuals.
FSC standards are designed to be a powerful tool in protecting forest sector workers. Principle 2 of our 10 Principles and Criteria for Forest Stewardship explicitly outlines requirements encompassing the four fundamental principles and rights at work (no child labour, no forced labour, no discrimination, and freedom of association and collective bargaining), the promotion of gender equality, the implementation of legal and ILO Code of Practice-aligned occupational health and safety practices, fair wages, adequate training, and grievance resolution mechanisms.
From practical experience, FSC certification has demonstrably led to improvements in health and safety conditions on the ground. This includes the provision of essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), comprehensive training, and the implementation of safer work procedures. In many instances, it has also contributed to improved public safety through better risk assessments and clear signage in work zones.
As we observe both the International Day on Work and Safety and Labour Day, we extend a call to action to FSC members, forestry workers, trade unions, researchers, and consumers alike. Let us collectively engage to further strengthen and promote safe and secure working environments for everyone involved in the forest sector. Robust discussions during the ongoing review of health and safety requirements within FSC Standards are crucial to achieving this goal.
In the African context, where I have the privilege of engaging directly with workers and trade union representatives, several pressing labour issues persist. The remote location of many forest management units can hinder effective labour inspections, and the limited number of labour inspectors in some regions can lead to inadequate enforcement of safety regulations. Raising awareness of workplace hazards, risks, and safety requirements remains a critical need, particularly considering the challenging environmental conditions and potential for unreported incidents. Fair wages and the promotion of gender equality in a historically male-dominated industry are also paramount concerns. While progress is being made, particularly in countries like South Africa with increasing female representation in supervisory roles, there is still significant ground to cover.
Fundamental rights, including freedom of association and the elimination of child labour, remain areas requiring constant vigilance and action.
While Workers' Day provides a crucial platform to highlight these pressing issues, we must remember that the pursuit of safe, dignified, and equitable working conditions is a daily struggle for many forest workers worldwide. FSC certification serves as a valuable framework for forest owners to not only meet but exceed the protection of fundamental human and labour rights, fostering workplaces built on trust and respect.
On this Labour Day and reflecting on the International Day on Work and Safety, let us reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with workers everywhere, championing their rights, and striving for a future where all work is conducted in a safe, healthy, and equitable environment. The stories of the Congo Basin, where responsible forest management is intertwined with the well-being of local communities and workers, serve as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we place people at the heart of sustainability. Let us continue to build on this foundation, ensuring that the wonders of our forests are managed responsibly, for both nature and the people who dedicate their lives to their care.