The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) participated in the International Trade Union Solidarity Mission of the Council of Global Unions (CGU), held in Colombia from 28 to 30 October 2026. The mission brought together representatives of the international trade union movement affiliated with the CGU, which represents more than 210 million workers worldwide. Its purpose was to express solidarity with Colombian trade unions and reaffirmthe commitment to defending freedom of association, democracy, collective bargaining, and human and labour rights. 

BWI played a prominent role through a delegation of 22 trade union leaders from 15 Colombian unions representing its sectors. The delegation took part in a meeting held at the Congress of the Republic, which brought together at least 190 trade union representatives from across the country and from different industrial and service sectors. This participation was part of the National Trade Union Action Program organized by BWI in Bogotá, focusing on just transition, inclusive trade unions and rights in supply chains. The coordination of both initiatives helped strengthen ties between BWI affiliates, Colombian national trade union centres, and the international trade union movement. 

During the mission, the CGU, together with the national trade union centres CUT, CTC, and CGT, participated in meetings with representatives of the Congress of the Republic, the Ministry of Labour, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), the José Alvear Restrepo Lawyers' Collective (CAJAR), and human rights organizations. Concerns were raised about threats against trade union leaders, the risk of setbacks in labour rights, and the weakening of democratic guarantees. The international delegation reaffirmed the need to ensure compliance with ILO Conventions 87 and 98, protect the right to strike, strengthen collective bargaining, and guarantee effective social dialogue. 

At the end of the mission, the Council of Global Unions issued a public statement calling on the Colombian authorities to ensure comprehensive protection for trade unionists and social leaders, combat impunity, respect peaceful protest, strengthen public services and guarantee a just transition with trade union participation. The statement also reaffirmed support for the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the commitment to continued international monitoring of the labour and human rights situation in Colombia. 

BWI and its Colombian trade unions will continue contributing to these efforts through organizing, trade union action and international solidarity, guided by the central message of the statement: "Colombia's workers are not alone. The global trade union movement will closely monitor developments in the coming months. We will continue to denounce any threats to trade union rights, democratic freedoms and human rights."

Full CGU statement EN

Full CGU statement ES