BWI, Croatian, and Indian unions unite to champion migrant workers’ rights

In a landmark collaboration, the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), along with its affiliates the Croatian construction union or the Sindikat graditeljstva Hrvatske (SGH) and the Tamil Nadu Construction Workers’ Union (TKTMS), held a two-day event in Croatia on November 10-11, 2024, to support the rights and welfare of Indian migrant workers. Hosted by SGH, the event welcomed around 40 workers from Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Nepal, and Tamil Nadu, focusing on the shared commitment to enhance protections for Indian workers overseas.

On the first day, Croatian union leader Domagoj Ferdebar welcomed the participants, including Boopalan, a worker repatriated from Serbia by TKTMS during the COVID-19 pandemic. TKTMS President Ponkumar addressed the attendees, emphasising the benefits available through the Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Welfare Board and the Non-Residents Tamil Welfare Board (NRT). He stressed that union membership is vital for Indian workers abroad, providing critical support in emergencies.

The second day featured a strategic meeting among SGH, TKTMS, and BWI. Representatives from both unions discussed common challenges and outlined a work plan to safeguard migrant workers’ rights, reinforcing a shared approach to address their unique needs across Croatia and Europe. The unions also met with Filipino migrant workers in Croatia underlining the extent of migration in labour issues. 

This collaboration represents a significant step in cross-border labor solidarity, as the Croatian and Indian unions, with BWI’s guidance, committed to working together to ensure that migrant workers receive the protection and respect they deserve.