FSC Core Labour Requirement Explained
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Core Labour Requirements are a set of social and labor standards that all FSC-certified companies must comply with. These requirements are based on international labor conventions and are designed to protect the rights of workers and local communities in forest operations and supply chains.
The FSC Core Labour Requirements cover several key areas, including:
Workers have the right to join or form trade unions or other worker organizations of their choice and to bargain collectively with their employers.
Forced or compulsory labor, including any form of human trafficking, is prohibited.
Child labor, as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO), is prohibited. This means that workers under the age of 15 (or 14 in certain cases) cannot be employed in any type of work that is likely to harm their health, safety, or morals.
Workers are entitled to safe and healthy working conditions and access to appropriate protective equipment and training.
Workers are entitled to receive wages and benefits that meet or exceed the legal minimum and that are sufficient to meet basic needs.
Workers are entitled to equal treatment and opportunities, regardless of their gender, race, religion, or other factors.
Workers and local communities have the right to be consulted and to participate in decision-making processes that affect them.
FSC-certified companies are required to implement and uphold these Core Labour Requirements throughout their operations and supply chains. The FSC conducts regular audits to ensure compliance with these standards, and companies that fail to comply may risk losing their certification.
In conclusion, the FSC Core Labour Requirements are a set of social and labor standards that FSC-certified companies must comply with. These standards are designed to protect the rights of workers and local communities in forest operations and supply chains and are based on international labor conventions. By upholding these requirements, FSC-certified companies can help to promote sustainable forest management and contribute to a more just and equitable society.
