The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) and the Builders' Association of India (BAI) Southern Centre signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 29 July 2026 to strengthen cooperation to promote safer, healthier, and more inclusive workplaces in India's construction industry.

The MoU was signed during BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson's visit to India and at a public meeting organised by Thamizhaga Kattida Thozhilalargal Mathiya Sangam (TKTMS) at Chennai, attended by around 3,000 construction workers, including a large number of women workers. Key representatives from the BAI and also office-bearers of TKTMS, including President Ponkumar Ponnuswamy, were present at this high-level event.

The partnership will promote joint action on occupational safety and health, skills development, social dialogue, capacity building and sustainable construction, while encouraging closer cooperation between responsible employers and workers' organisations.

"This partnership reflects our shared belief that a strong construction industry is built on skilled workers, safe workplaces and constructive cooperation. By working together, we can improve safety standards, strengthen productivity and create lasting benefits for both workers and the industry," said Ambet Yuson, General Secretary of BWI.

During his visit from 27-30 July, Yuson also addressed the 33rd BWI India Affiliates Council, met with representatives of BWI affiliates from India and Nepal, and held discussions with the Migrant Workers Rights Coalition (MWRC) and the Construction and Real Estate Industry Coalition (CRIC) to strengthen regional cooperation and advocacy on workers' rights.