Two years of fighting for peace, democracy, and freedom in Ukraine

It has been two years since Russian military forces invaded Ukraine. Since the onset of the conflict, the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) and its affiliates have stood with the Ukrainian people, condemning the Russian military invasion and its devastating consequences on the lives of Ukrainian workers, as well as the political, economic, social, and ecological impacts on the country. BWI and its affiliates mourn all those who have suffered from the invasion.

On this day, BWI reiterates its support for the Ukrainian working people's fight for freedom, democracy, and a peaceful future. Thanks to members of trade unions and workers from around the globe, humanitarian aid, various foodstuff, personal protective equipment, and shelter have been provided to Ukrainian working people affected by the war through the Solidarity Fund created by BWI, together with its Ukrainian affiliate, the Construction and Building Materials Workers Union (PROFBUD), and the European Federation of Building and Wood Workers (EFBWW). The Solidarity Fund is also dedicated to supporting PROFBUD's efforts to protect trade union members, maintain the work of the trade union, and assist in organizing skills training in response to immediate workers' needs.

The total amount of direct documented damages inflicted upon Ukraine's infrastructure due to the full-scale invasion by Russia as of January 2024 stands at USD 155 billion. The reconstruction of damaged infrastructure requires both tremendous investments and labour efforts. BWI and PROFBUD have started to develop programs on how to prepare for the rebuilding efforts.

BWI is hosting a Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine on April 9-10, 2024, in Warsaw, Poland, with the aim of facilitating a discussion about the challenges facing the construction sector, identifying the needs for investment, and reaching agreements on areas of collaboration, including common labor clauses for all reconstruction projects and the presence of a skilled workforce.

"During these terrible years, international solidarity and support mean a lot to trade union members more than ever. Two years have passed, and the Ukrainian working people are still suffering and struggling. While it has been years of suffering and loss, we believe in the future. We will rebuild Ukraine and ensure that the reconstruction takes place with full recognition of workers' rights," said PROFBUD President Vasyl Andreyev.

BWI is calling upon its affiliates and workers to donate to the Solidarity Fund.

Your donation can be sent by bank transfer in CHF, EUR, or USD to:

BANQUE CLER

6-8 Place Longemalle

1204 Genève, Switzerland

SWIFT BCLRCHBB

Bank Account name: INTERNATIONALE DES TRAVAILLEURS DU BATIMENT ET DU BOIS / IBB

54, route des Acacias, 1227 Carouge, SWITZERLAND

IBAN:

In CHF: CH41 0844 0246 6062 9019 0

In EUR: CH56 0844 0246 6063 1029 0

In USD: CH24 0844 0246 6063 1009 0

Reference of payment: Solidarity Support to PROFBUD (please do not mention “Ukraine” in your transfer order, due to possible embargo)

Or Via Paypal:

CHF https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6YP4J55U4AMEJ

EUR https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C5ZLLP35R85F2

USD https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NMT5JP67SME9E