India: Union elects new leaders, vows to push for gender rights and green buildings

On 19-20 March, the Thamizhaga Kattida Thozhilalar Madhiya Sangam (TKTMS), a Southern Indian affiliate of the Building & Wood Workers’ International (BWI), held its General Body Meeting (GBM) in Ooty, Tamil Nadu. More than 1,000 delegates, 20 percent of whom were women, attended the event. Observers from the Construction and Real Estate Industry Coalition (CRIC), national centres, local government representatives, and BWI also attended and expressed their solidarity.

The council meeting discussed crucial issues affecting workers and unions in the state of Tamil Nadu, as well as the effects of the national government's modifications to the country’s framework of labour laws. Also, significant resolutions on climate change, green buildings, migrant rights and gender issues were passed. 

Ponkumar Ponnuswamy, TKTMS President and Chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Welfare Board, presented the union's report for the previous four years and discussed the union's efforts to pass the Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Act in 2011, which led to the establishment of the Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Board, as well as benefits obtained through the Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Welfare Board (TNCWW).

In the same event, Ponnuswamy and N. Sundaraj were re-elected as President and General Secretary respectively. Meanwhile, 40 percent of the union’s executive committee is now comprised of women leaders. Ponnuswamy remarked: “This is the first GBM after the pandemic, which was a difficult time for workers and their communities. But through the efforts of the union, we were able to extend necessary support to the workers. The huge participation of the members and office bearers at this council meeting is a testimony of our work. I am thankful for the re-election. I accept the responsibility to implement the actions and recommendations of this council, and also to expand our work both nationally and globally to safeguard the interest of workers, including Tamil workers”.