The forest services sector and its commitment to formal and fair work

Forestry work in Chile takes place in a context of high formality, regulation, and oversight. Forestry contractor companies carry out their activities under employment contracts, with full compliance with social security obligations, occupational health and safety standards, ongoing training, and supervision by public and private bodies.

Therefore, it is inappropriate to cast widespread suspicion on an activity that employs thousands of people across different regions of the country and constitutes a significant source of local development.

The subcontracting regime in the forestry sector does not operate outside the law, but rather within a specific regulatory framework. Law No. 20.123 establishes clear responsibilities for principal companies and contractors, safeguarding workers' rights and ensuring mechanisms for control, oversight, and compliance.

In this regard, forestry operations are subject to labor, social security, and safety requirements that are regularly verified by the Labor Directorate, mutual insurance associations, principal companies, certification bodies, and other competent organizations.

Lightly associating forest services with forced labor practices, as the NGO Fundación Libera has stated, not only disregards this reality but also unfairly damages the reputation of workers, entrepreneurs, contractor companies, and communities that have built an activity based on effort, specialization, and regulatory compliance.

An accusation of such gravity requires concrete, verifiable, and properly substantiated evidence, not generic statements that end up affecting an entire productive sector.

Continuous improvement, risk prevention, training, social dialogue, and respect for human dignity are principles that are part of the daily work of forestry contractors. These elements form the foundation of the sector's commitment to decent work and sustainable development.

Therefore, in the face of statements that cast doubt without distinguishing realities or providing specific evidence, it is appropriate to reaffirm that Chilean forestry work is voluntary, remunerated, regulated, and supervised. Forestry contractors play an essential role in the production chain and maintain a permanent commitment to the safety of their workers, respect for their rights, and the development of the communities where they operate.