The BWI-affiliated National Union of Building and Construction Workers (NUBCW) in the Philippines pressed government agencies to act on the potential displacement of construction workers affected by the multi-billion flood control project corruption scandal that is rockcing the country.

The union met with officials of the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The dialogue, attended by senior officials including DOLE Undersecretaries Ernesto Bitonio Jr. and Carmela Torres, Bureau of Working Conditions Director Alvin Curada, and TESDA Deputy Director General Rosanna Urdaneta. It asserted its role as a strong advocate for decent work and social justice, demanding concrete interventions to protect the welfare and dignity of construction workers. The union also underscored that the ongoing controversy should not come at the expense of workers’ livelihoods, and stressed that government, labour, and training institutions must work hand-in-hand to ensure that no worker is abandoned.

In response, DOLE pledged stronger employment protection and immediate livelihood assistance, while TESDA committed to skills retraining and on-site skills assessments to help workers transition into new opportunities. NUBCW welcomed these assurances but vowed to remain vigilant, affirming that its fight continues until every displaced worker is provided with meaningful support and their rights are fully protected.