BWI-AP Statement on the devastation caused by Typhoon Kristine in the Philippines
The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) Asia-Pacific stands in solidarity with and extends its support to the Filipino people in the face of the immense devastation caused by Typhoon Kristine (international name: Trami). The destruction inflicted by this storm—marked by severe floods, relentless rains, landslides, and collapsing infrastructure—has tragically killed at least 26 people, forcibly displaced over 150,000 residents, and highlighted the vulnerability of workers and communities across the region. This underscores the urgent need to protect workers’ rights to safe, healthy, and decent living and working conditions amid the escalating climate crisis.
Typhoon Kristine is a sobering reminder of the immediate need to address the global climate emergency with justice and decisive action. For countless workers, the lack of adequate shelter, disaster preparedness, and resilient infrastructure has intensified the risks of working in precarious conditions, often exposing them to hazardous floods and landslides. This is unacceptable. Our priority must be to institutionalise adaptation and mitigation measures that protect communities, particularly working-class communities, against these mounting threats. Climate justice demands that the burden of this crisis should not fall upon workers who bear little responsibility for its causes yet are disproportionately impacted by its effects.
BWI Asia-Pacific calls for a just transition to a greener, more sustainable future in which no worker is left behind. We demand comprehensive policies to ensure that workplaces and communities are resilient, safe, and inclusive, with equitable access to resources for adaptation and risk reduction. Workers’ voices must be central to this transition, ensuring it is not only fair but also rooted in justice for those who have borne the brunt of climate-induced disasters.
Lastly, we urge governments, businesses, and global leaders to adopt stronger policies, commit to substantial climate action, and prioritise sustainable development goals that protect workers’ lives and livelihoods. The urgency underscored by the aftermath of Typhoon Kristine must drive us towards a future where we protect not only the environment but also the dignity and safety of all who inhabit it.