BWI and TEUPM strengthen leadership with comprehensive training programme

The Building and Woodworkers International (BWI) and its Malaysian affiliate, the Timber Employees Union Peninsular of Malaysia (TEUPM), successfully concluded a three-day intensive leadership training programme for the latter’s newly elected executive committee. Held from 14 to 16 November 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the training marked a significant step towards empowering a new generation of leaders, with an encouraging number of youths and women stepping forward to take on critical responsibilities within the union.

The training programme provided an in-depth introduction to trade unionism, the role of BWI and other Global Union Federations, and the responsibilities of trade unionists. It also explored key issues such as the current state of the timber industry in Peninsular Malaysia, workers’ rights, global migration trends, and the impacts of climate change on workers. These sessions aimed to equip TEUPM’s leadership with the knowledge and tools necessary to advocate effectively for workers in a rapidly evolving industry.

Migrant workers form the backbone of Malaysia’s timber industry, comprising approximately 80 per cent of its workforce, with the majority hailing from Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, and Indonesia. Leaders engaged in a vigorous discussion on the challenges faced by these workers and explored strategies to address their issues effectively. Key points of the discussion included ways to encourage migrant workers to join unions and the importance of fostering stronger coordination between migrant workers in Malaysia and BWI affiliates in their countries of origin.

Another highlight of the workshop was the strategic planning session, during which the executive committee conducted a comprehensive SWOT analysis. This activity enabled the leadership to identify opportunities and challenges while formulating actionable plans for the union’s future. TEUPM General Secretary Rasdi bin Abu Hanipah commended the collaboration with BWI, expressing confidence in the programme's impact on the union’s growth and effectiveness.

“My hope is that the organising and leadership training workshop with BWI will continue to empower TEUPM’s committee by exposing them to various leadership skills and international experiences. We are motivated to develop strategies and plans to increase TEUPM’s membership across Peninsular Malaysia in the near future.” said Rasdi.

BWI congratulated TEUPM’s new leadership on their mandate and is committed to further strengthening its partnership with the union. BWI and TEUPM will continue to enhance workers’ rights, leadership capacity, and union growth across Peninsular Malaysia.