The BWI-affiliated Budowlani, a 133-year old organisation, on 13 and 14 June 2025 held its XII Congress of Budowlani in Falenty near Warsaw.  Among the international guests were BWI, the European Federation of Building and Wood Workers (EFBWW), as well as representatives from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, Romania and Italy. The 110 national delegates elected a new president and adopted a new programme 2025-2030 which carried the message “Unity is Strength!”

In her speech,  Geneviève Kalina, BWI Regional Representative for Europe stressed: ”BWI wishes to recognise Poland’s efforts to welcome around 2 million Ukrainians at the outbreak of the war. It is important to mention the work carried out by your union for these migrants not just in words, but in action. “ She added: “You contributed to help these migrant workers from Ukraine, find a path not only to employment, but to dignity. This extraordinary solidarity is part of your tradition and culture. It is important to congratulate you in this regard.“

Outgoing Budowlani president Zbigniew Janowski said that Budowlani's greatest strength lies in its diversity, combined with solidarity, equity, and dignity at work, which contributed to defend the rights of workers and its members.

 The adopted programme seeks to address the needs of its members and reflect the need to introduce change, strengthen the role of the union, and fight for decent wages and working conditions. The union is also striving to become more modern and open to effectively represent the interests of workers. Its programme will also respond to daily challenges, including low wages that lead to the exodus of qualified workers and occupational health and safety. Its roadmap will aim to strengthen social dialogue, to improve working conditions and promote mental health, reduce the abuse of flexible forms of employment and counteract the negative effects of digitalisation and artificial intelligence. It is based on past experience and the vision of a better future that will build a strong and united movement for the dignity of the worker.

The Congress thanked the outgoing President Janowski for his years of activity and his contribution to the development of the organisation, and elected Tomasz Nagórka as new President.

National guests included the State Labour Inspectorate, the National Alliance of Trade Unions, the Building Research Institute, the Construction Confederation, and the Polish Association of Employers in the Construction Industry.

Budowlani encompasses employees in the construction, housing, building products, wood and furniture, ceramics, forestry and environmental protection and allied industries and sectors.