Collective Bargaining Agreement: Agricultural Industry: Timber Subsector

The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has approved publication of a collective bargaining agreement for the timber subsector, agreed in the National Employment Council for the Agricultural Industry between employers (Timber Producers Association, ZAEO, ZCFU and ZFEA) and three unions (GAPWUZ, HGAPWUZ and ZHAGAWU).

New minimum monthly wages, effective 1 January 2026 and fixed in US dollars, are: A1 US$150, A2 US$163, A3 US$173, B1 US$189, B2 US$205, B3 US$220, B4 US$238, B5 US$259, C1 US$279, C2 US$298 and C3 US$318. The previous minimums, effective 1 January 2025, ranged from US$142 (A1) to US$301 (C3), made up of a US dollar portion and a portion converted at the interbank rate.

Allowances stay at the levels of the 1 October 2025 agreement: transport, and travel and subsistence, at actual cost paid by the employer; accommodation US$41, fuel US$13 and light US$9 a month; and 5% of basic monthly wage for employees required to handle dogs or firearms as part of their duty.

Establishments or employees may apply to the NEC for exemption, partial exemption or review, giving reasons, within 14 days of the date of the agreement. The agreement is stated to be binding on all organisations in the agricultural industry. It was signed on 13 February 2026 and gazetted on 7 August 2026.