More than 100 trade union activists from every region of the world gathered in France from 1 to 3 December for the Global Labour Institute’s (GLI) International Trade Union School. This year’s programme focused on one of the most urgent challenges facing workers today: the rise of national authoritarianism. Through dynamic debates, workshops, and shared experiences, participants examined how unions can build collective power, defend democracy, and reinforce international solidarity in an increasingly hostile political climate.

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) was represented by two young trade unionists: Husain Maulana from SERBUK Indonesia and Shayn Sinnassamy from CMWEU Mauritius, along with Gulsah Doruk, BWI Global Youth Coordinator. Maulana presented his union’s innovative organising strategies to reach informal and young workers in Indonesia. At the same time, Sinnassamy shed light on the realities faced by migrant workers who have become prime targets of authoritarian policies that strip them of their rights and protections. Their interventions underscored the urgency of coordinated global action and a unified labour movement stance against authoritarianism and fascism. 

BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson expressed his confidence in the young workers' movement by supporting BWI's attendance at the school. He stated that young workers are the leading force in organising and mobilising in the unions’ fight to build a better future for all. 

BWI proudly supports the school in honour of Dan Gallin and Dave Spooner, two iconic unionists whose legacy continues to inspire the global labour movement.