Colombia: Unions lead fight for the building and wood sectors’ just transition
In a global context marked by the urgent need to address the climate crisis, Colombia has taken a significant step by organising the "National Trade Union Conference on Climate Justice for the Construction and Forestry Sectors." This event, held on 26 and 27 September in Bogotá and led by the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), brought together key stakeholders to discuss and strategise towards a just transition in these vital sectors.
Over the two days of the conference, several crucial topics were addressed, including:
- Decarbonisation of Industry: Initiatives were presented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in sectors such as cement and construction, with the aim of finding more sustainable and efficient alternatives.
- Sustainable Social Housing: Solutions were explored to build affordable, environmentally friendly social housing using bio-based building materials.
- Decent Work in the Forest Industry: The challenges of work in the Colombian Amazon were discussed, promoting sustainable practices and ensuring respect for the labour rights of forest workers.
- Forest Certification: The role of FSC certification in promoting sustainable forest management and its contribution to the fight against deforestation, alongside the promotion of decent work, was highlighted.
- BWI Colombia Action Plan: A roadmap for future BWI actions in Colombia was developed, focusing on promoting green jobs and protecting workers' rights.
Trade unions play a pivotal role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. By representing workers, they ensure that workers' voices are heard and their rights protected throughout the process. The conference, organised by BWI with the solidarity support of IGBAU Germany, demonstrated the commitment of Colombian trade unions to building a more sustainable and just future for the country.
The conference was attended by representatives from the government (Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Housing, City and Territory), employers' associations (Colombian Chamber of Cement and Concrete (PROCEMCO), Colombian Chamber of Construction (CAMACOL), and National Federation of Wood Industrialists (FEDEMADERAS)), multilateral organisations (International Labour Organization (ILO), International Lawyers Assisting Workers (ILAW), Forestry Certification Stewardship (FSC), and C40 Cities), as well as the three largest national trade union confederations: Confederación Sindical Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT), Confederation of Workers of Colombia (CTC), and General Confederation of Labour (CGT). BWI affiliates in Colombia and other fraternal organisations were also present.
By bringing together these diverse key actors, progress has been made in developing joint solutions to confront the challenges posed by climate change and to ensure a just transition in the construction and wood sectors.