The study of forest work allows connections to be drawn between good work, productivity and environmental sustainability. The development of good forest work has generally followed the classic path, entailing higher wages, shorter working hours and less strenuous work; but it has also resulted in growing unemployment, labour market segmentation, flexibilization and environmental degradation. Full cost accounting, all-age forest management, valueadded production, community tenures and eco-certification provide a basis for alternative good work and productivity measures. We suggest that forest workers, both in their capacity as workers and residents of forest-industry based communities, constitute potential agents who can embrace and support such alternatives.
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