The Building and Wood Workers’ International congratulates newly elected President of IG BAU Carsten Burckhardt 

BWI Global Union warmly congratulates Carsten Burckhardt on his election as the new President of IG BAU, Germany's union for construction, agriculture and environment workers. Delegates elected him by a large majority at the 24th Ordinary Congress, held in Kassel from 27 to 30 September 2026 under the motto “Respekt für unsere Arbeit!” (Respect for our work!). 

Burckhardt, a trained electrician, has worked for IG BAU since 1997. He joined the federal executive board in 2013, where he led on construction, building materials and occupational health and safety, and became Vice-President last year. For BWI, he is a long-standing ally and a driving force in our common work. 

He leads a renewed team: Nicole Simons continues as Vice-President, Christian Beck was elected as a further Vice-President, and Zeynep Bicici and Lars Dieckmann join as board members. BWI congratulates them all, and thanks outgoing President Robert Feiger, who led IG BAU for 13 years, and outgoing board member Ulrike Laux for their years of service and solidarity. 

International solidarity to face international challenges 

Over four days, delegates came together in the Kongress Palais in Kassel to set IG BAU’s course for the years ahead.  

The Congress confronted some of the biggest challenges of our time: resisting the far right, defending democracy, pushing back against attacks on the welfare state, strengthening collective bargaining and working conditions, and protecting workers and the planet as the climate crisis transforms our industries. 

“Our strength comes from organized workers and from the relationships and solidarity we have built across borders over decades,” said Ambet Yuson, General Secretary of BWI. “When one union is attacked, others stand with it. When one union wins, we all win.” 

“Together, we will continue to push for decent work, safe workplaces and a just transition for all.”