Asia Pacific: BWI Regional Conference opens with calls for stronger labour rights and solidarity

The 5th BWI Asia-Pacific Regional Conference commenced on 11 September at the Seri Pacific Hotel in Kuala Lumpu gathering union leaders and representatives from across the region and partners from around the globe to discuss pivotal issues affecting workers. 

YB Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, Political Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources, first delivered the keynote address, reflecting on Malaysia’s commitment to labour reforms and decent work under the MADANI Economy Framework, saying “in this administration, workers and trade unions will always be treated as partners”. Kelvin highlighted the nation’s journey toward democratisation, spearheaded by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and stressed the importance of social dialogue and meaningful wages for workers. 

Ambet Yuson, BWI General Secretary, opened the session with a powerful solidarity message, emphasising that “Malaysia is back” at a critical moment in its democratic journey. He acknowledged the struggles workers face in Malaysia and across the region, calling for the country’s government to ratify ILO Convention 87 on freedom of association. Yuson also underscored international solidarity, pointing to global labour challenges, including political repression in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong, and a new BWI campaign supporting 21,000 unpaid construction workers in Saudi Arabia. His message was one of resilience, unity, and the need for decisive government leadership to advance workers’ rights.

Representatives from various solidarity support organisations, global union federations, and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) offered their support, acknowledging the vital role unions play in defending democracy, advocating for decent work, and fighting for workers’ rights globally. The overarching message was clear: when workers unite, they cannot be defeated.

The first thematic discussion of the conference, “Fighting Back: Strengthening Democracy at Workplaces and Society,” featured poignant testimonies that shed light on the experiences of unions in Myanmar, South korea, and Pakistan. 

As the conference progresses into its second and last day, participants will dive into keys issues on migrant workers. The Regional Action Plan, that sets the tone for unions across the region, will also be laid out. The discussions and resolutions from this event will undoubtedly shape the future of labour movements in the Asia-Pacific region.

The stage is set for a robust exchange of ideas, and with solidarity as the core theme, the conference is expected to continue fostering strong alliances across borders for the betterment of workers everywhere.