A new agreement between FICA and First Union will ensure forestry contractors can continue to bring new workers into the sector while fully meeting Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) wage requirements across New Zealand’s FSC‑certified forests.
More than 70% of New Zealand’s plantation forest estate is FSC‑certified, requiring all workers to be paid at least the Living Wage—a standard widely recognised as lifting industry expectations.
However, applying the full Living Wage immediately to new trainees—many of whom are young and entering the workforce for the first time—has limited employers’ ability to take on new entrants.
The new FICA–First Union agreement provides a structured, time‑bound wage progression for trainees while ensuring all non‑trainee workers continue to receive at least the Living Wage at all times.
A Framework That Works for Everyone
Under the agreement:
Trainees progress through clearly defined wage steps linked to formal qualification milestones.
All fully trained workers must earn at least the Living Wage, consistent with FSC requirements.
Production-based pay must be set so that competent workers earn no less than the Living Wage.
The agreement will be jointly reviewed every two years to ensure it continues to meet industry needs and FSC standards.
Strengthening an Already High-Value Sector
Labour market data shows that average forestry earnings align with or exceed regional averages and sit above typical earnings for under 25s across multiple regions. Skilled roles such as mechanised harvesting and advanced silviculture often earn at or above national median wage levels. Both organisations say the agreement maintains the credibility of FSC standards while supporting the long term development of a skilled workforce.
Leaders Welcome the Agreement
Workers First Union General Secretary, Dennis Maga, said the agreement strikes the right balance between high standards and practical workforce development:
“This agreement upholds FSC’s Living Wage principles while recognising the realities of bringing new workers into a skilled and safety critical industry. It is a constructive outcome that ensures fair treatment for workers and continued opportunities for those starting their careers.”
FICA Chief Executive, Rowan Struthers, said the agreement ensures contractors can continue to invest in training:
“Forestry has a proud record of developing people, and this agreement keeps that pathway open. It provides clarity for contractors operating under FSC requirements and supports a strong pipeline of new talent—something our industry relies on.”
