BWI releases new report highlighting collaboration between unions and communities in pursuit of climate justice in the built environment

As part of its Global Climate Justice Summit, the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) has released a new report highlighting the potential of collaborations between trade unions and their communities in achieving climate and labour justice goals while transforming the built environment through climate action. The report titled “Labour and Climate Justice in the Built Environment: Social Innovation Practices for Resilience and Equity,” looks into six case studies of BWI affiliated unions across the world that have worked with various community actors in upholding workers’ rights within local climate action initiatives. 

According to BWI, the fight for labour rights is tied to environmental justice struggles, with unions well-positioned to champion healthier, more equitable workplaces and communities. Today, their mission extends beyond the worksite to engage with communities, advancing climate justice goals that benefit workers' health and their surrounding environments as well as their resilience by promoting job security. 

The report showcases union-led initiatives worldwide that are innovating new approaches to climate action that centre workers as important climate actors in the community. For instance, collaborations with the CSC ACV BIE in Belgium and the FILLEA CGIL and SPI CGIL in Italy focus on sustainable building practices and energy-efficient training programmes, while the UOLRA in Argentina and the COTU (K) in Kenya provide green jobs and climate adaptation strategies.

Meanwhile, the GBH in Austria leads a coalition that seeks to promote environmental, economic, and social co-benefits of investments in construction and housing These case studies illustrate how unions can be powerful agents of climate justice, promoting both worker empowerment and environmental sustainability through collaboration and active participation.

Key recommendations call for structural reforms to empower workers with decision-making roles in climate and labour policies. Ensuring that workers have a stake in the green transition, the report suggests, can accelerate sustainable practices and foster social resilience. This involves bridging power gaps that often prevent workers from influencing critical industry changes, such as construction methods, materials, and safety standards.

Ultimately, BWI concludes that true climate action must include social equity, ensuring that workers can engage in and benefit from the green transition. By amplifying the voice and agency of workers, unions are paving the way toward a fairer, more inclusive future, where environmental and labour goals advance in tandem.

Read it here.