FSC LABOUR POLICY
FSC® Core Labour Requirements Policy
Independent Timber Merchants Co-operative Limited
FSC® Licence Code: FSC-C196134
October 2026
Statement of Purpose
Independent Timber Merchants Co-operative Limited (ITM) recognises the importance of upholding ethical labour standards throughout our operations. This Core Labour Policy reflects our commitment to the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) Core Labour Requirements. Many of these requirements are also supported by New Zealand employment legislation and established employment practices.
Policy
1. Labour Rights and Principles
1.1 Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining
ITM respects the right of our employees and workers in our supply chain to form or join trade unions or worker associations of their choice. We support the right to collective bargaining to negotiate fair employment terms and conditions.
1.2 No Discrimination
We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, disability, or any other protected status. We provide equal opportunities and fair treatment to all individuals in our employ and in our supply chain.
1.3 Child Labour
ITM strictly prohibits the use of child labour in any aspect of our operations. We adhere to all applicable laws and regulations regarding the minimum age of employment.
1.4 Forced and Compulsory Labour
We do not engage in, support, or tolerate forced or compulsory labour, including bonded labour, human trafficking, or any form of modern slavery. All employment is voluntary and free from coercion.
2. Employment Conditions
2.1 Wages and Benefits
ITM provides employees with fair and competitive wages, benefits, and working conditions in accordance with applicable New Zealand employment legislation and individual or collective employment agreements.
2.2 Working Hours
We ensure that working hours, overtime and associated employment conditions are managed in accordance with applicable New Zealand employment legislation and individual or collective employment agreements.
2.3 Health and Safety
We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees. We identify and mitigate workplace hazards, and we encourage employees to report safety concerns without fear of reprisal.
By adopting this FSC® Core Labour Policy, ITM reaffirms its dedication to ethical labour practices and upholding the principles of responsible forestry management.
This policy will be reviewed and updated as required to ensure it remains current and continues to meet FSC® Core Labour Requirements.
The policy will be made available to employees, the FSC-accredited certification body and other interested parties as appropriate.
LABOUR POLICY APPLICABILITY
DISCLAIMER:
Each ITM FSC-certified site maintains its own FSC® Core Labour Requirements Policy with identical wording to ensure consistent alignment with FSC® standards. All sites operate under the overarching FSC® certification held by Independent Timber Merchants Co-operative Limited (ITM Support Office) – FSC-C196134.
This shared policy framework ensures that all ITM FSC-certified sites uphold the same ethical labour principles and employment standards while maintaining transparency and accessibility for stakeholders.
The ITM website hosts this policy for customer reference on behalf of Warkworth ITM, Taupo ITM, Toa ITM Heretaunga, Toa ITM Porirua, Mount ITM, and Mount ITM Frame & Truss which each hold their own FSC® Labour Policy but do not maintain separate websites.
Other FSC-certified entities operating under the same certification and maintaining identical FSC® Labour Policies include:
Nelson ITM
Rangiora ITM