Acoforag rejects accusations of forced labor in the Chilean forestry sector

In relation to the statements disseminated on social media by BioBioTV, attributed to the representative of the Libera Foundation, regarding the alleged existence of forced labor in Chile's lawful economy and, in particular, in the forestry services sector, Acoforag expresses its categorical rejection of said claims and declares the following:

1. The official definition of forced labor (ILO)

We reject the decontextualized use of the concept of "forced labor." According to Convention No. 29 of the International Labour Organization (ILO), ratified by Chile and incorporated into its legal system, forced or compulsory labor is expressly defined as: "All work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily."

2. Non-existence of forced labor in the Chilean forestry sector

We categorically deny that practices falling within the definition of forced labor exist in our sector. The Chilean forestry industry operates under rigorous and regulated standards, guaranteeing the voluntary nature of the employment relationship, the free exercise of employment, and the unrestricted respect for the dignity of each worker.

3. Regulatory compliance and the Subcontracting Law

The forestry sector complies with and respects all applicable laws in the Republic of Chile, both in labor and social security matters, as well as occupational safety and health. In particular, companies in the sector operate in strict adherence to Law No. 20.123 on work under subcontracting regimes, applying safety protocols, mechanisms of joint and several liability, and permanent supervision of their chain of forestry contractors to ensure formal, fair, and regulated working conditions.

4. Permanent oversight by the labor authority

Compliance with labor rights in our sector is not only an institutional commitment but a reality permanently supervised by the Labor Directorate and by the administering bodies of the insurance under the Law on Occupational Accidents and Occupational Diseases. The active presence of the State in operations contributes to safeguarding compliance with current legislation and the required labor and safety standards.

Acoforag reiterates its unwavering commitment to decent work, the safety and well-being of workers, and the sustainable development of Chile. Likewise, we call for acting responsibly when issuing or disseminating statements that may distort national and international legal frameworks, contributing to public misinformation and unfairly affecting thousands of workers and companies that rigorously comply with current regulations.

ASSOCIATION OF FORESTRY CONTRACTORS A.G.

Concepción, July 29, 2026.