Campaigns

Unions rebuild better and stronger after COVID-19 pandemic

01 November 2024 07:42

BWI’s Nigerian affiliates NUCECFWW and CCESSA, on 17 October 2024, successfully hosted the 18th BWI Africa and Middle East Regional Executive Committee (AFRECO) in Abuja, Nigeria.

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Blog: Towards freedom and dignity in Myanmar, ILO should lead the global fight

31 October 2024 01:56

BWI and IUF join the call for the ILO to “take decisive action to hold the military junta accountable for treating the peopleof Myanmar as slaves, in blatant violation of labour standards.” It is time for the ILO to act decisively to protect the rights and dignity of workers in Myanmar.

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Turkish workers demand economic justice at massive rally in Ankara

22 October 2024 06:41

On 20 October 2024, around 100,000 workers gathered in Tandoğan Square, Ankara, for the “We Are Struggling, We Can’t Make Ends Meet” rally organised by the Turkish Confederation of Labour Unions (Türk-İş).

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Palestinian workers hold general strike in solidarity with unemployed amid ongoing crisis

15 October 2024 06:15

On 7 October 2024, the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) organised a 15-minute general strike, which took place at 12:00 PM Jerusalem time.

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Unbroken Spirit: A migrant worker’s fight for justice and dignity

30 September 2024 08:10

Sabri bin Umar, an Indonesian migrant worker in Malaysia from Bone Makassar, traveled over 6,500 kilometers to share his story at the BWI Asia-Pacific Regional Conference held in Malaysia last 12 September 2024. His journey, both physical and emotional, is one marked by resilience, hardship, and a relentless pursuit of justice.

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Bothua nominated as BWI Regional Vice-President for Europe

30 September 2024 07:26

The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) European Regional Committee on 24-25 September 2024 elected seasoned trade union leader Bruno Bothua as the new Regional Vice-President for Europe during their regional meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria.

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Palestine: Global unions file ILO complaint to recover wages of over 200,000 Palestinian workers in Israel

27 September 2024 08:06

A complaint against the Israeli government for blatant violations of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Protection of Wages Convention has been filed by nine global trade unions, with members in over 160 countries representing 207 million workers. The complaint highlights the obligations of Israeli authorities to redress and remedy a range of abuses, including unpaid wages and withheld benefits for more than 200,000 Palestinian workers employed in Israel.

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

12 September 2024 03:46

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.

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BWI condemns Australian government's move to administer CFMEU

27 August 2024 00:25

Workers have the right to form unions and to elect their own representatives.

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Long live, Kanatbek Osmonov!

14 August 2024 00:13

BWI is very sad to receive the news on the passing of Kanatbek Osmonov, or Kanat as he was fondly known, who left us on 12 August 2024 in Bishkek.

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United in action: Unions continue to rally behind Myanmar's democratic fight

05 August 2024 05:39

In a continuing demonstration of international solidarity, global trade union leaders, civil society representatives, and academics convened at the University of the Philippines School of Labour and Industrial Relations (UP-SOLAIR) in the Philippines to affirm their unwavering support for Myanmar’s trade unions in their relentless fight for democracy and workers' rights.

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Pakistan: Unions fight “unified labour law” that threatens workers’ rights

03 August 2024 02:01

The Government of Pakistan has announced the development of a “unified labour law,” particularly in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. This initiative aims to consolidate and streamline 25 existing labour laws covering occupational safety and health, industrial relations, and working conditions into a single labour code.

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European unions visit Unite to bolster solidarity efforts

10 July 2024 11:09

Unite’s sister unions in the construction sector from Belgium, France, and Italy visited the Canary Wharf Learning Centre (CWLC) in London's Docklands last week. The delegation comprised of trade union representatives affiliated with the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and European Federation and Building and Wood Workers (EFBWW) met with tutors and workers to discuss ideas around workplace learning and toured various new building projects in Canary Wharf, including the significant Wood Wharf development.

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Upcoming Berlin conference to push for common labour safeguards in Ukraine recovery efforts

04 June 2024 06:37

The upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2024) slated for June 11-12 in Berlin aims to spearhead concerted efforts towards the swift recovery and sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale aggression against the nation.

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Free Myanmar: Demand for ILO Article 33 Now!

04 June 2024 05:32

Since the failed military coup d'état on 1st February 2021, approximately 5,098 people have been killed and 26,695 arrested.

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BWI leaders join Global Unions & Palestine's unions to call for justice for Palestinian workers

30 May 2024 02:39

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) joined leaders from eight Global Union Federations (GUFs) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in visiting Ramallah to support unions in the West Bank and Gaza.

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Ghana: Union pledges to build strength through unity and solidarity

15 May 2024 15:56

The Construction and Building Materials Workers’ Union (CBMWU) on 26 April 2024 held its 12th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference in Kasoa, Ghana.

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#LabourDay2024: Seek Justice - Practice Solidarity

01 May 2024 06:33

BWI Statement on the 2024 International Labour Day

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Report: Reconstructing Ukraine, Rebuilding people’s lives

22 April 2024 08:57

Warsaw, Poland - The BWI Conference on Reconstruction in Ukraine, held on April 9-10, 2024, convened stakeholders to address the daunting task of rebuilding Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country. Participants engaged in firsthand reflections on the invasion's onset and strategic discussions on the path forward.

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BWI conference highlights urgent need to prepare for Ukraine’s reconstruction

15 April 2024 13:04

BWI’s Conference on Reconstruction in Ukraine, held on April 9-10, 2024, in Warsaw, Poland, brought together key stakeholders from various sectors.

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Khaing Zar Aung receives Arthur Svensson Prize for trade union rights

12 April 2024 07:51

Khaing Zar Aung, a prominent labour leader from the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM), affiliated with the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), has been honoured with the prestigious Arthur Svensson Prize for Trade Union Rights in recognition of her steadfast dedication to labour rights and democracy despite facing formidable challenges.

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Eliéser Córdoba: Your legacy will live on!

08 April 2024 04:53

It is with great sadness that we receive the news of the death of Eliéser Córdoba, a young activist defender of workers' rights. Eliéser headed the Chair of the First Regional Youth Committee of the Building and Wood Workers' International in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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Philippines: BWI condemns abductions and violence targeting unionists, calls for accountability and action

26 March 2024 03:27

Amid disturbing incidents that continue to plague the labour movement in the Philippines, the 12 million-strong Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) extended its solidarity with the Philippine trade union movement in vehemently condemning the recent attack and abduction of Francisco Dangla, affectionately known as "Eco," and his associate Axielle "Jak" Tiong.

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Gaza: BWI condemns bombing of General Federation of Palestinian Trade Unions’ building

15 March 2024 05:58

The headquarters of the General Federation of Palestinian Trade Unions in Gaza City was reportedly bombed by an Israeli aircraft on 7 March 2024, a day before International Women’s Day.

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A Call to Action: Cease the Persecution of SUNTRACS! End Union-busting in Panama!

13 March 2024 04:35

Trade unionism is a right, not a crime. The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) vehemently condemns the relentless attacks against the Single Union of Construction and Similar Industries of Panama (SUNTRACS).

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Panama: BWI condemns attacks on fundamental trade union rights

12 March 2024 05:35

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) BWI, the Global Union Federation encompassing 361 trade unions representing 12 million workers in the building, building materials, wood, forestry, and allied sectors across 115 countries, vehemently condemns the attacks against the Single Union of Construction and Similar Industries of Panama (SUNTRACS), which unfolded in months-long blatant acts of aggression culminating with the recent atrocious attacks on its regional office during the night of March 10.

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BWI releases new report on Myanmar unionists’ extraordinary struggle for democracy

11 March 2024 06:49

Recognising the pivotal milestones achieved and the indispensable role played by Myanmar's trade union movement, notably the Building and Woodworkers Federation of Myanmar (BWFM) within the Confederation of Trade Union Myanmar (CTUM), the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) in the Asia Pacific, in collaboration with UNI APRO, Education International (EI APRO), and IndustriALL Southeast Asia, has published a new report titled "The Struggle Worth Fighting For: The Myanmar Union Activists' Extraordinary Resilience in the Pursuit of Democracy."

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BWI supports UN humanitarian aid and work for Palestinians

27 February 2024 10:16

The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) unequivocally supports the United Nations (UN) and its critical humanitarian endeavors, particularly its assistance to the Palestinian population, facilitated notably by agencies like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

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

24 February 2024 06:06

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.

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BWI presidium calls for global action and solidarity

20 February 2024 12:48

The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) recently concluded its presidium on 14-15 February 2024 in Geneva, creating the needed momentum to promote further global union solidarity amid ongoing global crises.

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Panama: BWI stands in solidarity with SUNTRACS amid banking sector’s attacks

18 February 2024 06:32

The BWI Presidium, meeting in Geneva on 14-15 February 2024, expresses unwavering support and solidarity with the Single National Union of the Construction and Similar Industries of Panama (SUNTRACS) as they struggle to defend their land and jobs, as well as they freedom to exist and to operate.

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In Memoriam: David Tuhanuku

15 February 2024 07:06

With profound sadness, the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) bids farewell to one of our esteemed trade union leaders, David Tuhanuku. On 13 February 2024, David’s passing left an irreplaceable void in our hearts and in the labor movement.

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Gaza’s journalists face hunger as well as bombing

14 February 2024 11:11

As the war in Gaza continues, Global Union Federations are shining a light on the crisis workers face across all economic sectors. Through a series of essays and articles on our websites, we aim to expose the conflict's devastating impact on livelihoods, safety and well-being for working people while emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire. When possible, we will give information about how you can take action to help these workers in Gaza.

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BWI denounces Myanmar junta’s mandatory military service targeting young people

14 February 2024 10:22

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), together with its trade union affiliates across Asia and the Pacific, expresses its vehement condemnation of the recent plan by the military junta in Myanmar to implement mandatory military service targeting the nation's young people.

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BWI stands in solidarity with Chileans amid forest wildfires

07 February 2024 11:53

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) extends its deepest solidarity and condolences to the people of Chile following the devastating impact of forest fires that struck the country on 2 February 2024. BWI stands in solidarity with the members of its affiliated unions: the National Confederation of Forestry Workers (CTF), the National Federation of Industrial Unions - Arauco Chile (FENASID), the Trade Union of Workers in Masisa Mapal Plant (FETRAMAS), and the National Intercompany Industrial Construction Workers Union (SINACIN), along with their families.

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Global Unions call for unified action following ICJ ruling on Gaza genocide case

01 February 2024 01:24


Global Unions joins together in a Call for Unified Action Following ICJ Ruling on Gaza Genocide Case.

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Southern Africa: BWI and SASK address emerging labour challenges in 2024

30 January 2024 06:43

In a recent meeting on 25 January 2024, the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) and the Trade Union Solidarity Centre of Finland (SASK) reaffirmed their commitment to advance progressive labour rights in Southern Africa.

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Freedom for Myanmar: A webinar on the ILO COI Report and NUG Tripartite Accreditation Council

29 January 2024 02:48

The Council of Global Unions (CGU) will organise a webinar on 1 February to update the international trade union movement on the situation in Myanmar, particularly the ILO COI Report and NUG Tripartite Accreditation Council, and coordinate strategies in the next ILO Governing Body meeting.

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BWI in solidarity with Argentinian workers and trade unions

19 January 2024 00:27


BWI calls on its affiliates to send solidarity videos to the Argentinean comrades and to organise marches to the Argentinean embassies in their countries on 24 January to show our solidarity with the workers and trade unions who are fighting to defend their rights and democracy.

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BWI stands with the Maritime Union of Australia

18 January 2024 12:22

The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), representing 12 million building and construction, wood and forestry workers from 361 trade unions in 115 countries globally, expresses its full support for the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) amidst its challenging collective bargaining negotiations with the Dubai Ports World (DP World).

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Kyrgyzstan: BWI stands with unions amidst state repression

14 January 2024 08:07

Two years since trade unions in Kyrgyzstan successfully fought the adoption of a law “on trade unions," which would have significantly restricted trade union rights in the country, they now face unprecedented pressure and interference from their government.

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Petition: Protect freedom of association in Panama!

21 December 2023 13:17

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and LabourStart urgently call on you to join us in demanding that the Panamanian government respect the freedom of association and stop persecuting trade unions.

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Pushing for trade union innovation in a changing world of work

21 November 2023 11:16

The Participatory Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting for the Africa and Middle East region of the BWI-UtoU-SBTF, held online on 13 November 13, 2023, was a successful collaboration by project stakeholders.

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Myanmar: BWI denounces military junta’s sentencing of labour leader

18 November 2023 09:09

The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) joins fellow global unions and federations in vehemently denouncing the appalling detention, kidnapping, and subsequent seven-year incarceration of MICS-TUsF General Secretary Thet Hnin Aung by the military junta in Myanmar.

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India: Unions denounce gov’t plan to send migrant construction workers to Israel

17 November 2023 09:54

Construction trade unions in India, together with national centres, strongly objected to their government’s attempts to negotiate the export of Indian migrant workers to Israel to replace Palestinian construction workers.

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Victory for the "Murphy 4"

10 November 2023 15:01

Unite the Union's long-running dispute ends in vindication for dismissed Murphy workers.

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Norway: Fellesforbundet holds successful congress, celebrates remarkable growth and achievements

25 October 2023 23:16

The BWI-affiliated Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (Fellesforbundet) held its 9th national meeting at the Oslo Congress Center from 20 to 25 October, 2023.

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Solidarity for labour and human rights in Eswatini

22 October 2023 17:17

Eswatini, the sole African nation governed by an absolute monarch, has drawn deep concern from the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), ITUC-Africa, and other global unions due to the alarming deterioration of its human and trade union rights situation.

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Sweden: Unionen holds 5th Congress, denounces deportation of Belarusian labour leader

19 October 2023 05:08

Unionen's 5th Congress, held from October 9th to 13th in Karlstad, Sweden, addressed a variety of critical concerns and provided a strong statement on a variety of issues. Amongst the notable resolutions was a strong denunciation of Sweden's decision to deny Belarusian trade union activist Ala Tsvirko a residence permit, despite the persecution she experienced in her home country. 

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BWI-LAC attends 12th BRICS Trade Union Forum in South Africa

18 October 2023 01:12

Denilson Pestana, BWI Regional Committee President for Latin America and the Caribbean and International Affairs Secretary for the New Central Workers’ Union (NCST/Brazil), joined trade union leaders representing various trade union national confederations from the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in attending the 12th BRICS Trade Union Forum (BTUF) in Durban, South Africa last 26-27 September.

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Israel-Palestine: Stop atrocities against civilians, ceasefire now

10 October 2023 15:12

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) expresses grave concern at the escalation of violence against civilians and thousands of workers in Gaza and across Israel.

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Svensson international prize now accepts nominations

05 October 2023 10:30

The Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights is now accepting nominations for outstanding individuals and organizations who have made extraordinary contributions to the promotion of trade union rights and organising around the world. Nominations will be accepted until January 1, 2024.

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Pan Europe: Union leaders deepen solidarity and cooperation

02 October 2023 07:47

Pan Europe: Union leaders deepen solidarity and cooperation

More than 30 leaders and officers of construction, forest and wood workers unions from the Pan European region, representatives of the SBTF-Swedish affiliates of BWI and BWI gathered in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on 21 September for a project advisory committee meeting to discuss solidarity cooperation in the region.

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Victory at IKEA: Union leader returns to work

26 September 2023 10:14

This is how trade unionists saw the reinstatement to work on 18 September of trade union leader Dariusz Kawka in an IKEA Industry factory in Lubawa, Poland. This was after Kawka, , Chairperson of the NSZZ "Solidarność,” was unjustly dismissed by the company on 28 November 2022 based on false charges.

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Zimbabwe: Union holds 8th National Congress, urges members to forge higher unities

26 September 2023 09:34

Carrying the them ‘‘As ZCATWU, We Can Be Influential Enough to Engineer Change That Promotes Members’ Interests and Rights”, the Zimbabwe Construction and Allied Trades Workers’ Union (ZCATWU) successfully held its 8th national Congress on 21September in Harare, Zimbabwe.

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Europe: BWI affiliates elect new regional leaders, ready to implement new action plan

21 September 2023 05:45

During the second and last day of BWI’s European Regional Conference in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on 20 September, the global union’s European affiliates elected their new Regional Committee and Vice-Chair for the next four years under the leadership of Johan Lindholm from Sweden’s Byggnads.

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BWI European Regional Conference kicks off in Sarajevo

20 September 2023 06:01

Around 160 delegates and observers from 52 construction, wood and forestry and allied materials’ trade unions across 31 European countries attended BWI’s European Regional Conference which opened on 19 September in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Türkiye: Unions sow hope to build back better after devastating quake

13 September 2023 11:54

After a devastating earthquake hit Türkiye on 6 February, BWI sent a solidarity mission to the country from 30 August to 1 September to provide assistance to its trade union affiliates and workers affected by the calamity, and identify key areas for reconstruction engagement.

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Global unions denounce worsening human and labour rights violations in Iran


13 September 2023 02:46

The Council of Global Unions (CGU) issued a statement urging the Iranian government to uphold international labour standards, particularly freedom of association, and to uphold human rights, justice, dignity, and fairness.

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Sri Lanka: Global unions oppose law that seeks to curtail labour rights

30 August 2023 06:43

Different Global Union Federations (GUF), including the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), and trade union solidarity support organisations join the Sri Lankan trade union movement in condemning the proposed "Single Employment Bill," which contains provisions that clearly violate international law, including proposals to cut wages and undermine the country's workers' trade union rights. The proposed plan, dubbed a "slave labour bill" by Sri Lankan trade unions, seeks to repeal 13 existing labour rules that have resulted from years of social dialogue.

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BWI on the passing of Rajabu Mwondi, a "baobab" of the Kenyan labour movement

21 August 2023 12:02

We in BWI are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Rajabu Mwondi, General Secretary of the KUPRIPUPA. On 16 August 2023, he returned to his creator after succumbing to an illness while receiving treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu.

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BWI mourns passing of Indian trade union leader Sita Ram Saini

17 August 2023 06:52

BWI mourns the passing of Sita Ram Saini, President of the All Himachal Public Works Department and Contractual Workers Union (AHPWDIPHCWU) on 12 August 2023 in the Punjab State of India.

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Reinstate the “Murphy 4!”-BWI

31 July 2023 12:04

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI), representing 12 million workers worldwide, expresses its full support and solidarity to the four Unite trade unionists who were dismissed from their jobs by Murphy International.

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Myanmar Report: Organising beyond borders

26 July 2023 11:22

The Building and Woodworkers' International (BWI) published a report on Myanmar that detailed the efforts of Burmese trade unions to restore democracy in the country.

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Indonesian government joins global unions in calling for democracy restoration in Myanmar

20 July 2023 05:45

The government of Indonesia joined more than 200 million workers worldwide in calling for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.

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Global unions demand international protection and justice for the people of Palestine

12 July 2023 04:50

Following Israel's military offensive into the West Bank, including Jenin, on 3 July, the world's global unions, representing hundreds of millions of workers worldwide, called on the United Nations (UN) and the international community to take multilateral actions to deescalate the violence and achieve just and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel. 

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Sweden’s SEKO and Kenyan union plan cooperation for next 3 years

10 July 2023 09:03

On June 30, the Swedish Union for Service and Communications Employee (SEKO) paid a visit to BWI affiliates in Kenya

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Latin America and the Caribbean: BWI 5th Regional Conference defends democracy and regional integration

07 July 2023 06:42

On 26-29 June, the Colombian capital hosted over 200 delegates at an event that discussed regional integration and trade union unity in the construction and timber sectors

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Ghana : Unions to sustain organising, education and advocacy momentum

06 July 2023 03:40

From July 3 to 7, BWI, IndustriAll, and Industri Energi (IE) Norway held various evaluation and planning sessions with their trade union affiliates in Ghana.

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BWI condemns escalation of violence in Jenin

05 July 2023 10:30

BWI joins the International community in condemning escalated violence against Palestinians in Jenin, causing the death of at least ten people and injury of around a hundred. We express our full solidarity with the BWI-affiliated Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU).

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Global unions warn of Tunisia descending into totalitarianism

28 June 2023 03:35

The Council of Global Unions, which includes the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), warn that Tunisia is on the verge of totalitarianism

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BWI pushes for labour rights, gender equality and democracy inside and outside ILC

19 June 2023 05:19

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) actively engaged inside and outside the International Labour Conference (ILC) which was held last week in Geneva, Switzerland.

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Global unions stand in solidarity with Writers Guild of America

15 June 2023 06:08

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and fellow global unions stand in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America West and Writers Guild of America East (jointly, WGA) which have been on strike since 2 May.

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Global unions meet Myanmar NUG minister, vow to continue struggle for democracy

15 June 2023 03:22

BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson met with Myanmar National Unity Government (NUG) Human Rights Minister Aung Myo Min to reiterate the Council of Global Unions’ (CGU) unwavering support to the struggle of the Myanmar people to restore freedom and democracy in their country and bring the military regime to justice.

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Union organising, not a crime! -BWI

01 June 2023 07:51

A global day of action on 1 June that asserted that trade union organising is not a crime and demanded the release of all trade unionists wrongfully imprisoned, stands out in the second and final day of BWI's first World Board Meeting for 2023.

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Global unions call on governments and employers to help end Belarus’ labour rights abuses

30 May 2023 04:22

Various global unions, including the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), issued a statement expressing its strong opposition to the worsening labour rights violations in Belarus, which culminated in 2022 with the dissolution of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP) and its affiliates and arrests and detention of more than 40 trade union leaders and activists, including BKDP President Yarashuk and Vice-President Antusevich.

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Finland: Rakennusliitto holds 25th Congress, highlights international solidarity

17 May 2023 16:39

At Rakennusliitto’s Congress on 11-13 May in Helsinki, Finland, an international seminar with the theme "Builders in Europe and around the World” highlighted the role of international solidarity in addressing the challenges and prospects of the trade union movement.

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Global unions condemn South Korea's workers' rights violations, mourn unionist’s death

10 May 2023 03:59

The world’s global unions are up in arms against the South Korean government’s flagrant violation of trade union rights.

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Georgia: Unions hold global solidarity conference

04 May 2023 12:58

LabourStart and the Georgian Trade Union Confederation on 28-30 April held a Global Solidarity Conference in Tbilisi, Georgia that brought together trade union leaders and activists from more than 70 countries.

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Bulgaria: Union celebrates 33 years, elects new leaders

03 May 2023 12:16

The Federation "Construction, Industry and Water Supply" (FCIW)-PODKREPA held its 11th National Conference last 27 April 2023 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

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Council of Global Unions stands with Elizabeth Tang

19 April 2023 03:51

The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) joined the 200 million-strong Council of Global Union (CGU) in expressing its solidarity with Elizabeth Tang, General Secretary of the International Domestic Workers' Federation (IDWF).

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Brazilian union expresses solidarity with Myanmar workers

18 April 2023 07:36

Young leaders of the Union of Workers in the Civil Construction Industries of São Paulo (SINTRACON) expressed its solidarity with Myanmar’s trade unionists and workers who are in the midst of a just struggle to restore democracy in their country.

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BWI European Youth Committee Chair Jakob Wagner is new BYGGNADS Secretary

07 April 2023 06:21

The BWI Youth is proudly celebrating the election of BWI European Youth Committee Chair and BWI International Youth Committee member Jakob Wagner as the new secretary of the Swedish Building Workers’ Union (BYGGNADS).

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Free all jailed trade unionists in Myanmar!

03 April 2023 07:49

The Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) is immensely vocal in its condemnation of the military junta's atrocities against trade unionists in Myanmar.

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Belgium: CG-FGTB vows to fight for more freedom, equality and democracy

26 March 2023 15:20

On March 22–25, 120 trade unionists from 20 countries attended the Centrale Générale-FGTB’s Congress in Blankenberge under the theme "Freedom, Equality and Democracy.”

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BWI and Danish federation forge stronger ties in Africa and Middle East

23 March 2023 04:10

BWI and 3F will work more closely to come up with more innovative responses to safeguard workers' rights and ensure their sustainable future.

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BWI and SASK explore more "historic partnerships"

20 March 2023 02:39

SASK, the development cooperation organization of the Finnish trade union movement, dispatched representatives Janne Ronkainen, Executive Director, and Simio Simbine, Regional Representative for Africa, to BWI's Africa and Middle East Regional Office on March 15.

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BWI on the arrest of Hong Kong labour leader Elizabeth Tang

17 March 2023 07:51

The 12 million-strong Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) expresses its solidarity with Elizabeth Tang, a renowned Hong Kong trade union leader and one of the global labour movement’s distinguished women leaders.

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BWI condemns Tunisia’s entry ban on international trade unionists

07 March 2023 10:41

BWI strongly condemns the expulsion of European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) General Secretary Esther Lynch from Tunisia and the entry ban on international trade unionists from Algeria, France, Italy, Libya, Norway, Palestine and Spain, including ITUC Deputy general Secretary Owen Tudor.

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South Africa: SASK and Finnish foreign affairs ministry visit BWI regional office

03 March 2023 10:31

SASK, the development cooperation organisation of the Finnish trade union movement, together with a representative of the Finish government visited BWI’s Regional Office in South Africa on 28 February.

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Council of Global Unions expresses solidarity with Tunisia's UGTT

02 March 2023 07:13

We, the Council of Global Unions (CGU), on behalf of 200 million workers around the world, expresses its support and solidarity with the UGTT and its affiliates in Tunisia over the arrest of Anis Al-Kaabi, General Secretary of the Tunisia’s Highway Workers Union, and several other UGTT leaders and members who have been questioned and summoned by the police in the past few weeks.

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Video: BWI solidarity message to protesting South Korean workers

27 February 2023 10:15

The 12 million-strong Building and Wood Workers’ International’s (BWI), through its General Secretary Ambet Yuson, sends its solidarity and support to the Korean Federation of Construction Industry Trade Unions (KFCITU) and its affiliate, the Korean Construction Workers’ Union (KCWU) as they hold a massive demonstration against their government’s assault on trade union rights.

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Trade union solidarity with Ukraine

26 February 2023 16:44

To mark the first year since Russian military forces invaded Ukraine, the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) joined an online event to reiterate its support for the Ukrainian working people’s fight for freedom and democracy.

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South Korea: BWI supports unions’ fight vs. state persecution

26 February 2023 15:16

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) expresses its full support for the Korean Federation of Construction Industry Trade Unions (KFCITU) and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) as they collectively push back against their government’s continuing assault on trade union rights, particularly the right to associate, organise and collectively bargain.

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#DefendDemocracy: BWI on the right-wing’s mobilisations in Peru and Brasil

19 February 2023 09:11

Three months after BWI passed a resolution before its 5th World Congress calling for the defence of democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean, its trade union affiliates in the region were immediately in the thick of the struggle to safeguard democracy from the attacks of far-right forces.

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Solidarity for Türkiye

10 February 2023 08:32

In the spirit of solidarity, the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) appeals to all its affiliates worldwide to donate to the BWI Solidarity fund for the benefit of all the victims of the deadly and destructive earthquake that hit Türkiye.

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BWI offers condolences and solidarity to Turkey after major earthquake

06 February 2023 19:00

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI), representing 12 million workers worldwide, expresses its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the working people of Türkiye who lost their loved ones as a result of a series of destructive earthquakes that hit the country. Our hearts and thoughts also go to the thousands who were injured by the calamity. We wish them all a quick recovery.

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Tunisia: BWI calls for unconditional release of union leader

06 February 2023 02:50

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) called for the unconditional release of Tunisian trade union leader Anis Kaabi who was arrested on 1 February 2023 over a strike by toll booth workers.

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Global Day of Action against Military Rule in Myanmar

03 February 2023 06:37

The Council of Global Unions calls on all affiliated trade unions and workers to join us in a Global Day of Action against Military Rule in Myanmar on 6 February 2023. If the wanton violation human rights is to end in Myanmar, genuine democracy must be fully restored by putting an end to the illegitimate military rule in the country and the recognition of the National Unity Government (NUG).

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BWI supports strike wave that sweeps Europe

03 February 2023 03:20

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI), together with its European affiliates, partners and allies, express their highest sense of solidarity to the trade unions and workers who are in the middle of extensive strike actions that hit many countries in Europe.

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CGU’s Philippine affiliates join global call for an end to Myanmar junta

01 February 2023 04:08

Marking the second year since a military junta deposed the democratically-elected civilian government of Myanmar, the Council of Global Unions-Pilipinas (CGU-Pilipinas) held a solidarity protest in front of the Myanmar embassy in Makati, Philippines to call for the end of military rule in the country.

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Myanmar: Resistance against junta rule rages on

31 January 2023 10:53

Two years have passed since a military junta has launched a coup that toppled Myanmar’s democratically-elected government and usurped power for itself, the Tatmadaw has failed to effectively take over the country. The Burmese people’s democratic resistance continues to grow, defy extraordinary adversities and inspire millions across the globe.

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Free the jailed trade union leaders of Belarus! - BWI

29 January 2023 14:22

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) expresses its deep concern and alarm over the arrest and imprisonment of independent trade union leaders from the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP).

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BWI and EFBWW release second 2022 joint activity report

16 January 2023 01:01

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) and the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW) released their second joint activity report on the campaigns and actions that they have collectively undertaken in 2022. 

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BWI starts 2023 stronger!

01 January 2023 08:04

Let's welcome the new year with reinvigorated strength, hope and determination as we continue the trade unions' historical task to build a new and better world for all workers.

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Turkiye: YOL-IS celebrates 60 years, re-elects Agar as president

20 December 2022 09:28

Celebrating its 60th year anniversary, the Turkish Road, Building and Construction Workers’ Union (YOL-IS) on 10-11 December held its 12th Ordinary General Assembly in Ankara, Turkiye, gathering more than 400 delegates.

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#HumanRightsDay: Choose Peace. Defend Democracy

10 December 2022 03:06

BWI Statement on the 2022 International Human Rights Day

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Israel: Histadrut launches national campaign against rising cost of living

09 December 2022 12:09

The Histadrut is preparing to lead a nationwide wave of protests on the issue of the cost of living, and as a first step, a new campaign is launched to unite and rally all of Israel’s citizens in the struggle.

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One minute global silence over death of worker at World Cup training site

09 December 2022 03:55

Responding to the tragic and fatal accident of a Filipino migrant worker at the World Cup training site in Qatar, the Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) calls for a minute of global silence in his memory, and for all migrant construction workers who died on the job to make the brightest sporting event in the world possible. 

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South Africa : NUM celebrates 40 years of struggle

08 December 2022 07:48

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on 3 December celebrated its 40th year anniversary at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo. With the theme “Back to basics,” the event was attended by around a thousand members and guests.

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BWI and EFBWW strengthen cooperation, hold conference on MNCs

08 December 2022 06:38

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) and the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW) held on 5-7 December a joint conference on multinational companies (MNCs) which brought together 49 trade union leaders, officials, union representatives and shop stewards from 18 countries.

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Ghana: Unionists train on OHS and labour clauses for better MNC organising

02 December 2022 06:17

25 trade unionists from West and East Africa attended a three-day training last 28-30 November on occupational health and safety and labour clauses in the context of organising workers in multinational companies.

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South Africa: BWI mourns passing of 6 NUM young unionists

30 November 2022 05:26

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) joins the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) of South Africa in mourning the tragic passing of six of its young trade union leaders, who were involved in a fatal road accident on 27 November 2022.

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#Throwback: Multiple working class actions as a response to multiple crises

29 November 2022 06:38

As we are all down to the last month of 2022 and prepare for another year of struggle, BWI deems it necessary to revisit its 5th World Congress last October in Madrid, Spain, particularly the important message of BWI Pan Europe Regional Vice President and EFBWW President Johan Lindholm.

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Power-packed BWI delegation attends CFMMEU national conference

23 November 2022 09:37

To express its strong sense of solidarity, BWI sent a power-packed delegation to the National Conference of the Construction Forestry Manufacturing Maritime Energy Union (CFMMEU) on 23 November in Melbourne, Australia.

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BWI visits Fiji worksite, assures workers of strong support

21 November 2022 07:44

BWI Deputy President Dietmar Schaefer, BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson and Construction Energy Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) National Secretary John Alexander on 21 November visited one of the depots of the China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group (CR5EG) in Suva, Fiji

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Mozambique : SINTICIM holds 6th Congress, vows to defend labour rights

08 November 2022 04:30

The National Union of Construction Industry, Timber and Mines Workers of Mozambique (SINTICIM) held its 6th National Congress on 27 October, 2022, in Maputo, Mozambique.

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BWI mourns passing of SEWA founder Elaben Bhatt

03 November 2022 11:56

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) is saddened to hear the passing of Elaben Bhatt, founder of the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) on 2 November 2022 at the Ahmedabad, Gujarat State in India. She served as SEWA’s General Secretary from 1972 to 1996, and was the Chancellor of the Gujarat Vidyapith from 7 March 2015 to 19 October 2022.

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World celebrates Lula's election

01 November 2022 06:47

Renowned Brazilian labour leader Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva returns as president of Brazil after emerging victorious in an extremely contested electoral race that ended the right-wing government of incumbent Jair Bolsonaro.

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Vamos: Looking back at BWI’s 5th World Congress

20 October 2022 09:51

On 4-7 October, the Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) held its 5th World Congress in Madrid, Spain. Hosted by its affiliates, the UGT-FICA and CCOO-Habitat, the global event was attended by more than 750 delegates coming from various continents in the world, 31 percent of whom were women trade unionists and workers.

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Free Myanmar’s jailed trade unionists! Recognise the NUG!

10 October 2022 21:15

The Global Unions, representing 200 million workers worldwide, call for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Myanmar, in particular the more than 60 trade unionists who have been unjustly incarcerated by the military junta since its coup in 2021.

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Brazil to host BWI 6th World Congress

08 October 2022 13:45

BWI announced that Brazil will be hosting BWI’s 6th World Congress in 2026. “From Spain, we will go to Brazil. And within this period, we will continue to organise beyond borders. For the people. For peace. And for the planet,” BWI said.

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BWI confers Rights for All Award to Myanmar woman unionist

08 October 2022 13:33

On the third and last day of its 5th World Congress, the Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) conferred its Rights for All Award to Sandar, a Myanmar woman trade union leader who is at the forefront in the Burmese trade unions’ struggle to reclaim democracy from the military junta.

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BWI 5th Congress delegates pass resolutions on climate justice, MNCs, future of work

07 October 2022 15:03

On the second day of BWI’s 5th World Congress, delegates went down to business and passed numerous resolutions on burning issues and areas of work that the global union will tackle in the next five years. A total of 34 resolutions and 9 statute amendments were carried by the Congress.

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BWI’s 5th World Congress elects new Presidium

07 October 2022 14:38

The 5th World Congress of the Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) elected its new Presidium that will lead the global union in the next five years.

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5th Congress Video: Peace is the bedrock of democracy

07 October 2022 10:43

On the occasion of BWI's 5th World Congress, 750 trade unionists from different parts of the world gathered in Madrid, Spain to reaffirm their strong commitment for global peace.

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BWI unveils new strategic plan for the next five years

07 October 2022 10:15

On the morning of the second day of BWI’s 5th World Congress, BWI Deputy President for Pan-Europe Johan Lindholm and Justina Jonas-Emvula, General Secretary of the Metal and Allied Namibian Workers' Union ( MANWU), unveiled the global union’s New Strategic Plan for the next five years.

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BWI General Secretary Report to 5th World Congress

06 October 2022 07:38

Report to the 5th BWI World Congress, Ambet Yuson, General Secretary

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BWI opens 5th World Congress, celebrates unities and victories amidst multiple crises

06 October 2022 06:17

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI), representing 12 million workers worldwide, formally opened its 5th World Congress on 5 October 2022 in Madrid, Spain with a celebration of hard-won victories and higher unities even in the face of multiple crises faced by working people worldwide.

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BWI World Board reviews final congress preps, lauds high delegate turnout

04 October 2022 15:49

A day before the formal opening of its 5th World Congress, BWI’s World Board met on 4 October 2022 at the Marriot Hotel and Conference Centre in Madrid, Spain.

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IG BAU holds Congress, to focus on youth and environment

30 September 2022 11:16

The IG Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt (IG BAU), a German construction and building materials union, held its Congress last 26 September in Kassel, Germany.

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Uncertain times: Italy makes hard-right turn

28 September 2022 10:56

Italy is expected by many observers to form its most right-wing government since World World II after far-right politician Giorgia Meloni won the country’s recent election, making her the country's first female prime minister.

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BWI stands with striking Weyerhaeuser workers

26 September 2022 09:42

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI), representing 12 million workers worldwide, stands in solidarity with Weyerhaeuser timber workers in Oregon and Washington who are currently fighting the unfair negotiating tactics and practices of their company management.

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Action Alert: Mobilise for Myanmar's National Unity Government!

19 September 2022 02:26

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) is calling on all its affiliates worldwide to organise mass actions from 19 to 23 of September to call on the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to immediately and unconditionally recognise Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG).

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Act Now! UN must stop Myanmar’s military junta

15 September 2022 03:19

Since the 2021 coup that toppled Myanmar's democratic government, the military junta has killed more than 2,000 civilians including trade unionists and children, arrested more than 14,000, and displaced more than 1 million people.


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BWI urges UNGA to choose between democracy and tyranny

13 September 2022 08:05

Coinciding with the opening today of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) joins the global clamour for the UNGA to fully recognise the credentials of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) as the one and true government of the Myanmar people.

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A month before World Congress, BWI launches special website

08 September 2022 13:58

One month before its 5th World Congress, the Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) launched a special website dedicated to the global union’s much anticipated international event this year.

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Pakistan: BWI extends humanitarian assistance to flood-affected workers’ communities

01 September 2022 06:35

BWI stands in solidarity with its Pakistani affiliates by providing support to the Pakistan Construction Federation (PCF) and the Bhatta Workers Federation (BWF) to facilitate relief efforts to affected communities, including workers’ families in the construction and brick kiln industry.

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Latin America and the Caribbean: Unionists celebrate unity, share BWI regional presidency

08 August 2022 05:57

In a demonstration of solidarity and unity, two Brazilian trade unions agreed to share the term of the presidency of the BWI Regional Committee on Latin America and the Caribbean.

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Asia Pacific: BWI affiliates hold congress delegates’ assembly, elect Noonan as regional VP

02 August 2022 10:23

BWI’s affiliates in the Asia Pacific region held an online delegates’ assembly on 20 July as part of the preparations for its Global Congress this October in Madrid, Spain.

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BWI condemns execution of Myanmar democracy activists

26 July 2022 04:02

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI), representing 12 million workers worldwide, condemns in the strongest possible terms the military junta of Myanmar for the brutal execution of four democracy activists who were absurdly accused of “terror acts.”

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BWI and IndustriAll strengthen cooperation, unify efforts in Ghana

20 July 2022 02:10

With the aim to strengthen trade union cooperation and partnership in Ghana, BWI and IndustriAll held a planning workshop on 11 July 2022 in Accra to identify more areas for meaningful collaboration.

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Call for Nominations: 2022 BWI Awards

19 July 2022 11:33

Nominations are now open for the BWI Awards 2022! The deadline to present candidates for the Awards is 1st August 2022, 12.00 CET

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Nominations open for the 2022 BWI Awards

19 July 2022 10:59

To honour trade union affiliates and individual members who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and commitment in promoting labour rights, gender equality, democracy, climate justice and social change, the Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) has recently launched the BWI “Power to the People” Awards.

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Africa and Middle East: BWI holds regional assembly, vows to push for more democracy and solidarity

13 July 2022 01:41

As part of moving towards its 5th Global Congress, BWI Africa and the Middle East held its first hybrid regional assembly on 6 July which was attended by fifty-four (54) participants from 20 different countries, representing 83 percent of its affiliates.

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BWI mourns passing of Croatian union leader Željko Kalauz

08 June 2022 10:29

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) mourns the passing of Željko Kalauz, President of the Croatian Forestry Union last 27 May 2022.

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South Africa: Solidar Suisse visits BWI regional office, marks historic cooperation

27 May 2022 12:33

BWI’s regional office for Africa and Middle East in Johannesburg received on 24 May a delegation from the Solidar Suisse composed of Joachim Merz, Solidar Suisse Desk Officer Southern Africa & Bolivia and Beat von Däniken, Solidar Suisse Mozambique Representative.

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BWI World Board makes final preps for Congress

20 May 2022 08:39

After two years of pandemic restrictions, BWI World Board members gathered for a two-day face-to-face meeting on 26-27 April in Geneva, Switzerland.

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BWI launches 5th World Congress theme and logo

12 May 2022 11:53

As BWI moves closer to its 5th World Congress in Madrid, Spain, it launched its official Congress theme and logo to embody the urgent call for workers to take action amidst the various issues threatening the planet, peace and humankind.

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IAM calls for complete ban on all Russian wood imports

10 May 2022 10:31

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), one of the largest labor unions in North America, called for a total ban on all imports of Russian and Belarusian hardwoods and softwoods.

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BWI mourns passing of Indian trade union leader

04 May 2022 10:27

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) is saddened to hear the news on the sudden passing of INBCWF National General Secretary Dr. S.S Prakasam last 30 April 2022 due to cardiac arrest.

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BWI Message on the 2022 International Labour Day

02 May 2022 03:52

As we mark this year's International Labour Day, let us be reminded of the important role played by trade unions in fighting for social change, and just and lasting peace. In the struggle to defeat organised oppression and tyranny, the organisation of trade unions is our most vital weapon.

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Remembering Jin Sook Lee

27 April 2022 06:26

BWI remembers our beloved Jin Sook Lee. Indefatigable. Passionate. Innovative. Dreamer. Fighter. And most of all, a woman of strong leadership.

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FNV holds Congress, envisions better future for workers

26 April 2022 14:19

The Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV), a big national trade union centre in the Netherlands, successfully held its four-yearly Congress last 12-13 April at DeFabrique in Utrecht.

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Free all arrested trade unionists in Belarus!

25 April 2022 14:01

Join us in demanding the immediate release of all detained Belarusian trade union activists and a stop the prosecution of the independent trade unions in Belarus.

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South Africa’s mineworkers’ union holds 17th Congress

14 April 2022 13:49

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) held its 17th National Congress on 30 March which was attended by South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is also the union’s founding General Secretary.

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BWI welcomes newly elected ILO Director General

05 April 2022 05:18

BWI welcomes the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) newly elected Director General, Gilbert F. Houngbo from Togo, whose term will officially begin on 1 October 2022.

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BWI Youth stands with Ukraine

22 March 2022 06:19

The BWI Youth joins the international community in strongly condemning the violence and military actions committed against Ukraine.

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BWI affiliates open doors to Ukrainian refugees

18 March 2022 07:45


The massive exodus of Ukrainians started already during the first week of war. Civil society groups, including trade unions came to the Ukrainian government’s aid to help in the gargantuan humanitarian relief efforts. BWI threw its support to this initiative by giving an initial donation of CHF 4000 so that the trade unions can continue to provide shelter for the refugees.

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Construction unions continue solidarity for Cuba

15 March 2022 04:18

Different construction trade unions continue to express their solidarity and send concrete help to Cuban workers amidst a continuing economic embargo imposed by the United States to Cuba.

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FSC blocks wood sourcing in Russia and Belarus

10 March 2022 07:35

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) suspended all trading certificates in Russia and Belarus and blocked all controlled wood sourcing from the two countries as a response to Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine.

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BWI and EFBWW gather online for Ukraine

10 March 2022 04:24

BWI and EFBWW held an online meeting to express their solidarity to Ukraine’s trade unions and workers, particularly to the Ukrainian Building Workers’ Union (PROFBUD), as they bravely and heroically face up to Russia’s military aggression and violence.

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Stora Enso suspends Russia operations

03 March 2022 08:30

Major Finnish paper and packaging producer Stora Enso will stop all production and sales in Russia in response to Moscow's assault on Ukraine, the group announced Wednesday.

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Celebrating Inhumanity – Lessons from the Winter Olympics in China

21 February 2022 08:33

BWI deplores the violation of and contempt for fundamental human rights standards by the Government of China which tarnished the reputation of the Olympics.

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Dubai: Belgian Deputy PM and BWI meet migrant workers at BESIX construction site

08 February 2022 15:03

Pierre-Yves Dermagne, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister, joined BWI and its Belgian trade union affiliates in a visit at the Dubai Upper Tower construction site being built by BESIX and talked to migrant workers employed there.

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India: BWI mourns passing of veteran trade unionist Jogendra Nath Tripathy

07 February 2022 05:58

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) is saddened to hear the news about the passing of Jogendra Nath Tripathy, General Secretary of the Orissa Kendupatra Karmachari Sangha (OKKS) on the early morning of 6 February 2022 at the Dhenkanal, Odisha State in India.

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Ukrainian Parliament must stop its renewed attacks on workers’ rights

01 February 2022 06:05

After the Ukrainian labour movement, with international solidarity help, reverted attacks of the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament) on workers’ and trade union rights in 2019 and 2020.

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Myanmar: Not another year of tyranny

01 February 2022 05:44

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) joins the world in marking the heroism, courage and martyrdom of the people of Myanmar as they continue the struggle for democracy, one year after a military coup toppled their democratically-elected government.

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Workers unite! Win 2022!

05 January 2022 05:47

BWI welcomes 2022 with renewed hope, strength and determination.

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Typhoon Rai devastates Philippines

23 December 2021 06:19

Typhoon Rai (Odette), a category 5 storm, has ravaged a big part of the Philippines. It destroyed thousands of homes, business establishments, farms and government facilities. Thousands of Filipino families have been displaced into evacuation centers, and close to 300 communities (barangays) in the poorest regions of Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao have been submerged in massive flooding.

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BWI’s solidarity letter to Lee Cheuk-Yan

22 December 2021 04:15

As the global trade union movement celebrates this month the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson penned a letter to Lee Cheuk-Yan, Hong Kong trade union leader and General Secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions.

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BWI and EFBWW release 2021 joint report, celebrate stronger ties

17 December 2021 06:14

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) and the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW) released a joint activity report on the campaigns and actions that they have collectively undertaken since 2020 and continued this year.

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Solidarity efforts strengthened in Africa and Middle East

13 December 2021 05:29

As part of its continuing effort to strengthen and broaden solidarity initiatives in Africa and Middle East, BWI hosted a meeting with its MENA Solidarity Support Organisations last 26 November.

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Video: BWI marks 2021 International Human Rights Day

11 December 2021 03:39

s we mark this year's International Human Rights Day, BWI prepared a video narrating its numerous efforts to help trade unions worldwide fight global authoritarianism and defend human rights and democracy.

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BWI Conversations: A talk with Myanmar labour leader Sandar Phyo

10 December 2021 15:37

On the occasion of this year's International Human Rights Day, BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson and Building Workers Federation General Secretary Sandar Phyo discuss the latest situation in Myanmar, particularly the struggle to defeat the military junta and for the global community to recognise the National Unity Government (NUG).

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Global unions condemn deteriorating human and trade union rights in the Philippines

09 December 2021 01:31

Leading to this year’s International Human Rights Day, the Council of Global Unions (CGU) called on the Philippine government to address the alarming increase in red-tagging/terror-tagging, harassment, violence and, most especially, the killings of trade unionists in the country.

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Unions closely monitor 2024 Paris Olympics, push for decent work inspections

08 December 2021 02:46

Building on the campaign for decent work in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, BWI trade union leaders from France, Romania, Ukraine and Japan met online on 5-6 December. In a “handover conference,” BWI leaders evaluated their campaign strategies on decent work in mega sports events, shared experiences and planned actions for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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SASK launches campaign on migrant workers’ rights

19 November 2021 06:06

SASK, the Trade Union Solidarity Centre of Finland, in cooperation with the BWI-affiliated Finnish Construction Trade Union (Rakennusliitto) launched a campaign to promote migrant workers’ rights in Qatar leading to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

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Cambodia: BWTUC holds 4th Congress

10 November 2021 07:19

Last Sunday, 7 November, the BWI-affiliated Building and Woodworkers’ Trade Union Federation of Cambodia (BWTUC) held its 4th National Congress in the country’s province of Kampot. More than 35 delegates participated in the event amidst the continuing restrictions against in-person gatherings in the country.

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Argentine and Catalonian unions ink cooperation agreement

05 November 2021 12:01

The Brick Industry Workers’ Union of the Republic of Argentina (UOLRA) and the General Workers’ Union FICA (UGT-FICA) in Catalonia signed a cooperation agreement on 25 October to strengthen their ties and mutual support for one another.

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BWI celebrates life of YOL-IS General Secretary Tevfik Ozcelik

01 November 2021 13:19

BWI mourns the passing of Tevfik Ozcelik, General Secretary of the Turkish Union of Road, Construction and Building Workers (YOL-IS), last 31 October 2021 at the age of 76 after a battle with illness.

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Expo2020: Migrant workers’ rights in UAE

26 October 2021 07:48

As Expo2020 opens in Dubai this month, serious violations of migrant workers’ rights continue in the UAE.

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Azerbaijan ordered to pay workers victimised by human trafficking and forced labour

13 October 2021 13:33

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on 7 October handed its long-awaited verdict in favour of 33 Bosnians who sued Azerbaijan more than a decade ago for human trafficking and forced labour.

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Congratulations to Ressa and Muratov for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize win

11 October 2021 12:01

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) congratulates journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for being awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.

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BWI mourns death of Philippines’ human rights chair

11 October 2021 07:36

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) joins the Filipino people in mourning the passing of Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairperson Chito Gascon.

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BWI condemns fascist attack on CGIL headquarters in Rome

11 October 2021 05:40

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) strongly condemns the fascist attack against the headquarters of the General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) in Rome, Italy in the middle of massive protests against the country’s COVID-19 health pass system, which was hijacked by far-right groups.

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Farewell, Nor Azlan Yaacob

04 October 2021 11:56

BWI mourns the passing of Brother Nor Azlan Yaacob, General Secretary of Timber Employees Union Peninsular Malaysia (TEUPM)last 2 October 2021. He was recovering from a heart and liver illness before his sudden demise. He was 58.

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Global unions press UN to recognise Myanmar’s NUG

21 September 2021 06:26

As the United Nations hold its 76th General Assembly, global unions join hands in calling for the recognition of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) as the legitimate government to represent the people and the state of Myanmar.

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Global unions set international day of action to recognise Myanmar’s NUG

15 September 2021 14:45

The Council of Global Unions (CGU) will hold a Global Day of Action on 15 September to support the recognition of the National Unity Government (NUG) as the one and true government of the people of Myanmar.

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BWI decries sedition charges against Hong Kong’s Tiananmen vigil organisers

14 September 2021 06:00

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI), representing 12 million workers worldwide, joins the global community in condemning the filing of sedition charges against the leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance, known for organising the city’s famed annual vigil for victims of the deadly 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

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Africa and Middle East: Unions assert Palestine's right to exist in peace

12 September 2021 15:56

BWI affiliates in Africa and Middle East condemned the violent attacks against the Palestinian people, asserting that Palestine has the right to exist in peace.

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BWI on the arrest of KCTU Chair Yang Kyeung-soo

03 September 2021 05:12

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI), representing 12 million workers worldwide, stands in solidarity with the South Korean workers in condemning the arrest of Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Chairperson Yang Kyeung-soo.

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ASEAN trade unionists and parliamentarians: Recognise Myanmar’s NUG

31 August 2021 03:53

With Myanmar still in the grip of a brutal military junta, the ASEAN +6 Regional Social Dialogue (ARSD) passed on 30 August a resolution calling for the restoration of democracy in the country to advance decent work.

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Global union federations call for action to stop violence against Filipino trade unionists

26 August 2021 08:04

The undersigned Asia-Pacific Regional Organizations of the Global Union Federations (GUFs) express their grave concern that the killing of trade unionists and violence and threats of violence against organizers and trade union leaders continue to escalate in the Philippines.

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BWI mourns passing of Roel de Vries, former IFBWW President

22 August 2021 15:56

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) is deeply saddened over the passing of former International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW) President Roel de Vries on 18 August 2021 in Ijsselstein, Netherlands. He had been ill for many weeks leading to the gradual deterioration of his health.

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BWI condemns state harassment of Thai labour leaders

16 August 2021 06:04

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) joins different trade unions, social movements, political parties and other non-government organisations in the region in condemning the Thai government’s harassment of Building and Wood Industrial Council of Thailand (BWICT) leader Tanaporn Wijan and trade union leaders Suthila Leunkam, Sriprai Nonsee, and Sia Jampathong for exercising their freedom of expression and right to free assembly.

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BWI: Lift the US embargo! Let Cuba live!

29 July 2021 03:56

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI), representing 12 million workers worldwide, supports a United Nations Resolution passed by 184 countries on 21 June urging the United States to end its nearly 60 years of economic embargo against Cuba. BWI also joins the international community in calling US President Joe Biden to immediately revoke 243 new blockade measures implemented by the Trump administration, including the more than 50 measures which were imposed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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BWI on the Tokyo Olympics’ handling of COVID-19 and workers’ rights

22 July 2021 06:51

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI), representing 12 million workers worldwide, adds its voice in urging the organisers of the Tokyo Olympics to seriously reconsider holding the international sporting event as a response to the emergence of the deadly Delta variant and Japan’s declaration of a new COVID-19 state of emergency covering the duration of the Olympics.

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Unions and footballers unite for migrant workers' rights

16 July 2021 02:34

FIFPRO and Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) have signed a cooperation agreement that will give professional footballers concerned about human rights a platform to support the rights of vulnerable workers before, during and after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

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Dribble or goal? BWI pushes for proposals to complete labour reforms in Qatar

15 July 2021 08:35

BWI holds a press conference on 15 July and releases its 2021 Progress Report on the collective journey of migrant workers, global unions and other actors and stakeholders in their quest for the recognition and fulfillment of human and labour rights in Qatar.

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BWI to release report on labour rights in Qatar

14 July 2021 03:54

With 16 months to go before Qatar hosts the 2022 World Cup, BWI will hold a press conference on 15 July to publicly release its 2021 Progress Report on the collective journey of migrant workers, global unions and other actors and stakeholders in their quest for the recognition and fulfillment of human and labour rights in Qatar.

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"The fight for democracy continues," An interview with a Burmese trade union leader

25 June 2021 05:48

Last 18 June, UN1A, the biggest trade union in Switzerand, interviewed Phyo Sandar, Assistant General Secretary of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM). UN1A and Sandar talked about the latest political and economic developments in Myanmar since the military staged a coup, the current status of the Burmese people’s struggle for democracy and the role of the international community, particularly the global trade movement, in helping return the country to the path of democracy and civilian rule.

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New EU sanctions imposed on Burmese personalities and entities linked to military coup

22 June 2021 09:41

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) lauded the European Union (EU) for imposing a third round of sanctions against Burmese politicians, personalities and entities linked to the military junta.

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BWI welcomes ILO’s call for Myanmar's return to democracy

22 June 2021 09:31

On the occasion of its annual global conference, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on 19 June issued a resolution calling for the restoration of democracy and civilian rule in Myanmar.

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BWI to ILO: Stop treating thugs and outlaws as legitimate

18 June 2021 02:19

Speech of BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson before the International Labor Conference, Virtual, 9 June 2021

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India: Union calls for creation of welfare board for migrant workers

17 June 2021 05:10

The BWI-affiliated Thamizhaga Kattida Thozhilalargal Madhiya Sangam (TKTMS) and the state-level Migrant Workers Rights Coalition (MWRC) urged the Non-Resident Tamils’ (NRT) Welfare Department to constitute the long-delayed NRT Board as mandated by the NRT Act of 2011 to protect the rights of Tamil migrant workers.

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Belgium: Unions and football association agree to a platform to monitor Qatar’s migrant workers

09 June 2021 10:13

BWI’s Belgian trade union affiliates on 7 June met with the Royal Belgian Football Association (URBSFA) in Brussels to discuss ways on how the latter can help in promoting migrant workers’ rights and improving their working and living conditions, especially those working in Qatar.

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Norwegian footballers want fair play for migrant workers

08 June 2021 07:41

17 months before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, players and members of the Norwegian football team and the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) wore t-shirts bearing the message “fair play for migrant workers” before its game against Greece on 6 June.

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General Secretary Report 2021 (Spanish and Portuguese subtitles)

03 June 2021 06:03

Leading to BWI's World Council Meetings on 7-8 June, we are happy to release the Spanish and Portuguese versions of the BWI General Secretary Report for 2021.

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Governments should recognise the National Unity Government in Burma

31 May 2021 04:34

Seeking national unity and the return of democratic reforms gives hope. However, hope that is not nourished will die. National governments and international organisations, by recognising the NUG, can feed that hope and help make a bright future possible for the people of Burma.

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Global unions detail labour rights abuses by Burmese military junta

26 May 2021 08:42

Global Union Federations actively working in the Asia-Pacific region released a factsheet on the worsening labour rights situation in military-ruled Myanmar. It details the widespread labour rights abuses of the military junta since its appalling power grab last February.

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Myanmar unions: Unseat military junta’s ILO representative

19 May 2021 08:25

In the spirit of its World Board Resolution adopted on 27 April, BWI joined the Council of Global Unions (CGU) in expressing its commitment to the Burmese trade unions’ call to unseat the military junta’s representative in the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which will be having its annual International Labour Conference (ILC) in June.

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BWI condemns Israeli violence in East Jerusalem

14 May 2021 09:28

BWI adds its voice to the growing international condemnation of the violence committed by the Israeli government in occupied East Jerusalem over the past few days and extends solidarity to the people of Palestine that have been subjected to systematic violence Israeli.

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Release the KFCITU 8!

10 May 2021 12:15

BWI received reports that eight (8) members of the Korean Federation of Construction Industry Trade Unions (KFCITU) have been arrested and imprisoned.

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BWI expresses concern over El Salvador’s removal of judges, Attorney General

10 May 2021 03:47

BWI expressed its serious concerns regarding the El Salvadoran government’s removal of the magistrates of the Supreme Court's constitutional chamber and the Attorney General.

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Byggnads lauds Swedish footballers' support for migrant workers

03 May 2021 01:25

As more and more national football teams and players voice out their support for migrant workers’ rights leading to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Byggnads Chairperson Johan Lindholm welcomed the athletes’ growing awareness over the plight of migrant workers, especially those who laboured in the construction of the tournament’s infrastructure.

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German football team commits to promote labour rights in 2022 World Cup

27 April 2021 09:29

Germany’s National football Team (DFB) has just issued a statement on the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In its position paper, DFB said that it is committed to respecting all internationally recognised human rights, especially in the context of international matches and tournaments. It said that sports can build bridges to promote human rights.

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Indonesian unionists express solidarity with Myanmar during ASEAN meeting

26 April 2021 10:32

BWI-affiliated SERBUK and different social movements and cause-oriented organisations staged a solidarity action for Myanmar in time for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Meeting on 24 April which was hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta.

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BWI calls for release of Burmese labour leader

26 April 2021 09:10

BWI condemns without reservation and in the strongest terms the arrest of Burmese trade union leader Mi Mi Aung by the military junta. Mi Mi Aung, who is the finance officer of the Hmawbe Brick Factory Union, an affiliate of the Building and Wood Workers Federation of Myanmar (BWFM), was reportedly arrested at her residence in Hmawbe.

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BWI General Secretary Report 2021

26 April 2021 08:10

BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson reports on how trade unions have become "beacons of hope" amidst a global health crisis. He outlines BWI's call for safe and efficient vaccines for all workers, decent jobs and wages, and a sustainable, progressive and worker-responsive economic recovery program to not only to win the battle against COVID-19, but also win the war for a new and better world.

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Blog: A call for urgent action on Myanmar

21 April 2021 05:27

Trade unions have been fundamental to building functioning democracies for over a century. Trade unions can only fully and freely function in democracies. It is also true that democracy cannot be complete without trade unions. In other words, there are no trade unions without democracy, and no democracy without trade unions.

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Hong Kong labour leader, four others imprisoned for democracy rally

20 April 2021 07:33

Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) General Secretary Lee Cheuk Yan and four other democracy leaders received prison sentences for organising and participating in a pro-democracy rally in 2019 which was deemed illegal under Hong Kong’s new National Security Law.

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BWI backs Myanmar’s National Unity Government

19 April 2021 02:54

The Building and Woodworkers International (BWI), representing 12 million workers worldwide, supported the creation of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) as a counter to the country’s brutal military junta.

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Qatar Report (GS Report 2021)

18 April 2021 13:11

Qatar Report (GS Report 2021)

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International Migrant Workers’ Day (GS Report 2021)

18 April 2021 11:07

International Migrant Workers’ Day (GS Report 2021)

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Labour Rights and FIFA (GS Report 2021)

18 April 2021 10:02

Labour Rights and FIFA (GS Report 2021)

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BWI shares best practices at Global Forum on Responsible Recruitment

15 April 2021 14:56

Sharing various initiatives to promote the responsible recruitment of migrant workers in Qatar’s construction industry, BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson called on the country’s hospitality industry, particularly hotels that will be used for the 2022 World Cup, to adopt measures that will secure labour rights.

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Philippines Solidarity Action (GS Report 2021)

15 April 2021 12:05

Philippines Solidarity Action (GS Report 2021)

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Myanmar Solidarity Action (GS Report 2021)

15 April 2021 11:57

Myanmar Solidarity Action (GS Report 2021)

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Hong Kong Solidarity Action (GS Report 2021)

15 April 2021 11:52

Hong Kong Solidarity Action (GS Report 2021)

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Belarus Solidarity Action (GS Report 2021)

15 April 2021 11:48

Belarus Solidarity Action (GS Report 2021)

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BWI to World Cup football teams: Support enforcement of labour reforms in Qatar

12 April 2021 09:35

BWI lauded the German national football team for its strong public support for migrant workers’ rights after its players displayed the words “human rights” spelled out across the t-shirts they wore when they lined up during their qualifying match against Iceland in March.

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Hong Kong convicts labour leader, several others

05 April 2021 02:42

A court in Hong Kong convicted Lee Cheuk Yan, General Secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU), and several others for organising and taking part in a democracy rally deemed illegal by the Chinese Special Administrative Region’s National Security Law.

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BWI condemns killing of Burmese youth leader

31 March 2021 07:45

The Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) strongly condemns the murder of trade union and youth leader Chan Myae Kyaw at the hands of Myanmar’s brutal military regime.

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Global unions decry breakdown of democracy in Haiti

25 March 2021 13:29

“There is a breakdown of democracy in Haiti.” This was how the Council of Global Unions (CGU) described the deteriorating political situation in Haiti.

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Donate to the Myanmar Strike Fund!

25 March 2021 08:52

The Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) and the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM) appeal to your kind hearts to donate generously to the “Myanmar Strike Fund” intended to sustain and strengthen the Burmese trade unionists’ struggle for democracy against the country’s brutal military junta.

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BWI reiterates support for Belarusian unions as they mark Freedom Day

25 March 2021 07:36

BWI, representing 12 million workers worldwide, stands in solidarity with the Belarusian people, especially the trade unionists and workers, as they mark Belarus' Freedom Day on 25 March. We join them as they continue their struggle for democracy. We add our voices in calling for an end to state violence and repression, particularly those committed against trade unions, the release of all political prisoners and the conduct of new and fair elections.

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BWI meets Belarusian opposition leader

16 March 2021 08:17

Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya met with BWI and fellow global labour unions on 10 March in Switzerland as part of efforts to build international pressure for strongman Alexander Lukashenko to relinquish power.

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Farewell, Jamaluddin Mat Isa

15 March 2021 09:08

Jamaluddin Mat Isa, former General Secretary (1964 – 1991) of the Malay Forest Officers Union Malaysia (MFOU), passed away peacefully on 15 March 2021 at the age of 85.

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Support the Mauritian trade unions!

12 March 2021 12:48

BWI expresses it full solidarity and support to the Construction Metal Wooden and Related Industries Employees Union (CMWEU) and the Confederation des Travailleurs des Secteurs Publique et Privé (CTSP) which were sued by the Hyvec Construction Ltd. in retaliation for simply fulfilling their roles in protecting the rights and welfare of workers.

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Court annuls Lula's convictions

12 March 2021 04:08

A Brazilian court on 8 March has cleared criminal convictions against former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, opening the window for the popular trade union leader to run in next year’s presidential election.

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European Commission imposes sanctions on Myanmar’s military junta

12 March 2021 03:16

In the latest international efforts to support the Burmese people’s struggle for democracy, the European Commission (EC) reprotedly imposed sanctions on military-owned companies in Myanmar operating in the timber industry.

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BWI supports the Burmese trade unions’ extended general strike

09 March 2021 06:01

BWI expresses its full support for the extended nationwide work stoppage launched on 8 March by Myanmar’s different trade unions and the broad Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) to defend democracy from the military junta.

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BWI joins call to freeze IFI loans linked to Myanmar’s junta  

23 February 2021 09:32

BWI joins over 200 civil society organisations in urging international financial institutions (IFIs) to immediately freeze loans and other financial assistance linked to the military junta amounting to an estimated USD 11 Billion.

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Video: Support the Burmese workers’ general strike for democracy!

21 February 2021 17:36

On 22 February (Monday), Myanmar's biggest trade unions and multitude of workers will launch a nationwide general strike to defend democracy from the military junta. Millions are expected to join the strike dubbed as the "Five Twos" revolution (22.2.2021).

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BWI’s open letter to Military Attaches in the Embassies of Myanmar

16 February 2021 12:24

Myanmar’s military’s attaches have the opportunity to change the course of Myanmar’s history. We call on them to reject the military junta and join the people in holding it accountable. We call on them to be the genuine army of the Myanmar people. We call on them to defend their people and country’s democracy.

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ILO: Respect freedom of association and restore democratic order in Myanmar

10 February 2021 17:00

The International Labour Organization (ILO) expressed grave concern over the situation in Myanmar, following the removal of the civilian government by the military.

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PEFC on the current situation in Myanmar

10 February 2021 13:50

PEFC is extremely concerned about the recent developments in Myanmar. In response, it is seeking assurances from the Myanmar Forest Certification Committee (MFCC - the national member for PEFC in Myanmar) and the one PEFC chain of custody certified company in the country that the rights of workers and trade unions are not being infringed.

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Global unions ramp up pressure to isolate Myanmar military junta

10 February 2021 02:09

Ten Global Unions representing more than 200 million workers from across the world call on unions globally to ramp up pressure on governments and corporations to target the commercial interests of the Myanmar military junta.

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BWI and EFBWW call on European authorities to take action vs. Myanmar’s military

09 February 2021 13:13

BWI and EFBWWW, representing more than 12 million workers, including 2 million workers in the construction, woodworking and forestry across the world and in Europe, are calling on the European authorities and institutions to take immediate and urgent action to put pressure on Myanmar’s military junta and its commercial interests.

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Join the Global Noise Barrage for Myanmar!

08 February 2021 14:29

Make noise for democracy in Myanmar! t Join the Council of Global Unions' (CGU) Global Noise Barrage on 11 February.

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BWI to Myanmar military: Submit to civilian rule

01 February 2021 10:10

BWI joins the world in condemning Myanmar’s military for staging a coup that led to the detention of senior government officials as well as leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD).

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The future of labour reforms in Qatar

27 January 2021 11:37

“The future is in implementation.” This was the consensus of the key actors pushing for labour reforms in Qatar at a forum hosted by BWI’s two-day Global Sports Conference on labour rights and the 2022 FIFA World Cup held November of last year.

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Workers’ voices and safety in the time of COVID-19

27 January 2021 11:37

Ensuring workers’ health and safety are core issues that trade unions consistently fight for. With the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a growing and vocal clamour for a new way of working through strengthened health and safety measures at the workplaces.

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The Qatar experience: The power of social dialogue

27 January 2021 11:37

Social dialogue is one of the many tools utilised by BWI in advancing labour rights. This is all the more true with the global union’s efforts to advance migrant workers’ rights in Qatar.

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Journey from opposition to shared commitment

27 January 2021 11:37

Last year, BWI held a successful two-day Global Sports Conference on labour rights and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The conference showcased exciting sessions that discussed various issues and concerns on migrant workers’ rights. One of these was a session that went over BWI’s cooperation with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) on labour rights in Qatar in the context of the World Cup 2020.

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BWI: Vaccines for all migrant workers

19 January 2021 07:55

BWI asserted that all migrant workers should have access to the safest and most effective vaccines against COVID-19.

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Democracy demands vigilance

18 January 2021 13:20

Trade union defence of democracy is fundamental. Trade unions require the oxygen of democracy if they are to flourish. If democracy is to live and thrive, trade unions will join with others to make that happen.

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BMKQ leads fight for women empowerment in Qatar

18 January 2021 06:01

Women members of the for Bayanihan ng mga Manggagawa sa Konstruksyon ng  Qatar (BMKQ) are paving the way for gender equality among migrant workers in the Middle East.

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BWI condemns arrest of HKCTU Chair Carol Ng and 50 others

07 January 2021 12:44

BWI condemns in the strongest possible terms the arrest of Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) Chairperson Carol Ng and at least 50 other democracy activists under Hong Kong’s national security law (NSL).

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Justice for the victims of the Kep, Cambodia building collapse!

06 January 2021 11:23

On 3 January 2020, a building being constructed in Kep, Cambodia collapsed, killing 36 workers. Already a year on, there has been zero justice and accountability.

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BWI General Secretary’s New Year Message

05 January 2021 04:30

As we start 2021, I take this opportunity to send best wishes to you for the New Year and reaffirm the commitment of BWI to global solidarity as we take on the challenges that are being carried forward from 2020 and the new ones that we will face in 2021.

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BWI and IOE statement on strengthening migrant workers' social protection systems

18 December 2020 06:22

On International Migrants Day, IOE and BWI publish a joint statement on the essential role of migrant workers during the pandemic and the need to provide greater social protection to them in these uncertain times.

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Action Alert: International Migrant Workers’ Day

17 December 2020 02:45

The Building and Woodworkers International (BWI) and the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW) are jointly commemorating International Migrant Workers Day on 18 December under the theme ‘We are all Migrants’.

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BWI Year End Video: Song of Solidarity

16 December 2020 11:15

Singing the popular song “Bella Ciao,” BWI affiliates from different parts of the world expressed solidarity to workers worldwide as trade unions collectively fight the pandemic build a better future.

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BWI welcomes progress by International Olympic Committee

08 December 2020 09:38

BWI, as part of its long-standing sports and decent work campaign, has defended the rights and conditions of construction workers involved in building facilities for Olympic Games just as we have with FIFA facilitates.

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Kyrgyzstan: Stop pressure on trade unions

01 December 2020 08:21

Support the demand of the trade unions by sending a message of protest to the President, Government and Parliament of Kyrgyzstan.

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Trade unionism is not a crime, activists are not terrorists

30 November 2020 07:03

CGU Statement on the Day of Action in the Philippines

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European unions express support for Kyrgyzstani and Swedish workers

24 November 2020 03:32

BWI’s European Regional Committee (ERC) extended its full support and solidarity to Kyrgystani and Swedish trade unionists who are in the middle of important fights to defend labour rights.

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Rescued stranded Indian workers finally home

20 November 2020 12:42

After BWI’s Indian and Romanian trade union affiliates joined hands in helping six stranded Indian migrant workers in Romania, the said workers were finally repatriated and returned to their home state of Tamil Nadu on 16 November.

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CGU Webinar: Workers’ Quest for Justice

19 November 2020 03:54

The Council of Global Unions (CGU) will discuss the latest human rights developments in the Philippines, especially with the issuance of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the anti-worker Terror Law, and how unions can utilise international instruments to force the Duterte government to uphold and respect human and trade union rights.

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BWI congratulates US trade unions on election win

10 November 2020 13:42

BWI, through its General Secretary Ambet Yuson, joins its American trade union affiliates in celebrating their historic electoral victory, which it hopes will create ripples of positive change worldwide and build the necessary momentum to defend democracy, promote gender equality and secure human and trade union rights against the spread of authoritarian populism. 

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BWI releases paper on Europe’s migration flow

28 October 2020 13:27

As part of its contribution in analysing the migration flow in Europe before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, BWI released a discussion paper to identify the main migration trends in the region which would serve as guideposts for trade unions to pursue better policies to protect migrant workers’ rights.

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Workers’ action bulletins highlight strength and resilience

22 October 2020 02:32

"We may be observing physical distancing, but workers will never be distant from one another.” This was the statement issued by BWI Latin American and Carribean Representative Nilton Fretias after BWI-affiliated trade unions in the region released two series of “workers’ action bulletins” in August.

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Video: Global unions say no to dictatorship in the Philippines

21 September 2020 07:34

As Filipino workers mark Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law 48 years ago, Global Unions add their voices in opposing the draconian Anti-Terror Law an condemning the massive human rights abuses under the Duterte regime.

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BWI welcomes EU parliament’s resolution vs. human rights abuses in the Philippines

18 September 2020 14:34


BWI welcomed the passage of a European Parliament resolution expressing deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in the Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte.

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CGU on EU Parliament’s resolution on Philippine rights abuses

18 September 2020 08:55

The CGU welcomes the adoption by the European Parliament (EP) of the “resolution on the situation in the Philippines, including the case of Maria Ressa”. The resolution provides examples of the degeneration of democracy, gross violations of human rights, and rampant violence and intimidation during the rule of President Duterte.

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BWI unions reach out to stranded Indian migrants in Romania

11 September 2020 02:48


In another example of working class solidarity and cooperation, BWI’s trade union affiliates in India and Romania joined hands in working with authorities to help Indian migrant workers, who were reportedly stranded in the European state.

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BWI: Build hope in Beirut

08 September 2020 06:41

This was the message sent by BWI to all its affiliates, partners, allies and friends as it encouraged them to donate to the people of Beirut, especially its workers, who were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and a prolonged economic crisis that decimated millions of jobs, and recently, a social unrest that was triggered by the catastrophic Beirut explosion that injured and killed many people.

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BWI and EFBWW support Belarus workers’ strike against election fraud

01 September 2020 13:40

BWI, on behalf of its 12 million trade union members worldwide, and EFBWW, representing 2 million trade union members from 34 European countries, express their solidarity with the brave trade unionists and workers of Belarus who went on strike and organised different forms of democratic and peaceful actions to protest against the alleged massive electoral fraud in their country.

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Qatar: BWI welcomes important progress for workers' rights

01 September 2020 05:11

BWI welcomes landmark achievements in Qatar that were signed into law on 30 August 2020; introducing a minimum wage for migrant workers and allowing them to change jobs without requiring their employers’ permission to do so.

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Solidarity for Democracy in Belarus

01 September 2020 04:53

For more than 20 days people in Belarus have been protesting massive electoral fraud. Peaceful protestors have endured violence and repression and many have been arrested. Workers in Belarus joined the growing democratic movement and went on strike, organising protest actions to demand an end to the violence and new elections in the country.

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COVID-19 worsens plight of Ukrainian migrant workers

26 August 2020 04:39

With the COVID-19 pandemic worsening the plight of many Ukrainian migrant workers in EU countries, PROFBUD, the construction workers union of Ukraine held a multi-stakeholder conference on 19 August in Odessa to discuss and address the situation.

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BWI supports Belarus workers’ strike against election fraud

18 August 2020 11:43

BWI, on behalf of its 12 million trade union members worldwide, expresses its full solidarity and support to Belarus’ brave trade unionists and workers who went on strike and launched massive peaceful actions to protest the alleged massive electoral fraud in their country.

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BWI Solidarity Statement on the Beirut Explosion

07 August 2020 01:47

The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) expresses its sympathies to the Lebanese people on the recent tragedy arising from the explosion at the Beirut Port on Tuesday 4 August 2020.

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BWI supports urgent justice mechanism for pandemic-affected migrant workers

24 July 2020 05:38

To address the plight of millions of migrant workers who have been repatriated or are awaiting repatriation as a result of pandemic-induced unemployment, BWI endorsed the call of a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and trade unions for an “urgent justice mechanism” to respond to the migrant crisis.

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Empowering Migrant Voices: A Global Webinar

06 July 2020 10:59

BWI-affiliated migrant workers and organizations will talk about the challenges and lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic to the world of migrant work.

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BWI denounces Israel's annexation plan

02 July 2020 13:33

BWI denounces the American Peace Plan (Deal of the Century). It is an unwelcome intervention that is a departure from the rules and principles of international law and disregards internationally accepted processes.

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2019 BWI-SC JWG Report on Joint Inspections in Qatar Released

03 March 2020 09:45

Every year since joint inspections began in Qatar based on the memorandum of Understanding signed in late 2016 between BWI and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy of Qatar, established for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Joint Working Group (JWG) has made a report.

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BWI – IG Metall Meeting on IFAs

10 February 2020 07:13

Nuremberg, Germany: BWI – IG Metall Annual Coordination Meeting on the implementation of International Framework Agreements

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USA: Wendt Workers wins first contract

17 October 2019 11:45

Workers at Wendt Corporation, a plant based in Buffalo New York succeeded in winning their two-year fight for a collective bargaining agreement. The workers joined the Ironworkers Union (Local 576) in 2017 and they have been battling the management for its first contract. Finally, this past August the union and the management agreed to an agreement after nearly 60 sessions of negotiations. During the negotiations the Wendt management harassed union members and threatened to lay-off workers.

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BWI demands labor inspection for Tokyo Olympic sites

07 October 2019 08:12

The global union federation BWI has today released a second report highlighting how Tokyo 2020 construction workers lives are still at risk, while rampant subcontracting is putting downward pressure on workers’ wages.

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Qatar: Video focuses on the election of Workers’ Committee Representatives at QDVC/VINCI

03 October 2019 14:17

The video highlighting the election process of QDVC’s Workers’ Welfare Committee (WWC) was released today.

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Russia: Decent Work for Forestry Workers Campaign is launched

19 September 2019 10:12

Russia: Decent Work for Forestry Workers Campaign is launched

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El Salvador: LafargeHolcim hinders and attacks the union

17 April 2019 10:37

In June 2018, at the Holcim El Salvador plant in Metapán in the north of El Salvador, eight leaders from the first Board of Directors of SICCA [Union for the Cement Industry and Allied Workers] were dismissed the day after having presented the union to the Ministry of Labour.

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IKEA Workers in Russia build trade union organization

12 February 2019 10:23

From 4 to 9 February, the Russian Timber Workers’ Trade Union (RTWU) ran an organizing drive at an IKEA factory in Tikhvin, Russia.

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Tokyo

09 October 2018 08:27

News related to Tokyo

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Tokyo 2020: Forum for Decent Work

03 October 2018 21:01

On 28 September the BWI and its Japanese Affiliates Council (BWI-JAC) held an international forum looking at the risks to human rights involved in the preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.

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New Centre for Sports and Human Rights

27 June 2018 07:22

The goal of the new centre is to foster respect for human rights in relation to big sport events.

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Media Release: Asia-Pacific workers demand an end to savage attack on Exxon/UGL workers

27 June 2018 06:42

Joint Media Release: The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and Public Services International (PSI) Asia Pacific Regional Organisations

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2018 FIFA World Cup Russia: In Memory of 21 Killed Workers

14 June 2018 09:57

Today, on the opening of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, the BWI and its 12 million members around the world express condolences to the families of the twenty-one construction workers who died during construction of World Cup stadiums.

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FIFA Human Rights Advisory Board releases update

12 June 2018 10:10

New advice to FIFA on the World Cup 2018 and 2026 Bid Evaluation

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New Report: FIFA’s foul play at the 2018 World Cup Russia

07 June 2018 11:26

The BWI today launches a report that reveals serious violations of workers’ rights at the stadium construction sites for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

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Swiss NCP Commends BWI-FIFA productive dialogue on Qatar

05 June 2018 22:30

On 5 June 2018, the Swiss National Compact Point (NCP) responsible for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises concluded its follow-up on the BWI complaint against FIFA that focused on the 2020 World Cup Games in Qatar.

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MAY DAY 2018: Community Leaders Forum in Qatar

07 May 2018 15:26

April 30 2018 - On the eve of May Day in Doha, close to 200 participants attended the BWI “Community Leaders Forum on Workers’ Welfare in the Construction and Allied Sectors” in Doha, Qatar.

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BWI leads tripartite International Workers’ Memorial Day in Qatar

29 April 2018 08:55

For the first time, the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) commemorated International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) in Qatar by supporting the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) 2nd National OSH Conference and participating in various site-level activities to raise awareness on safety and health.

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BWI and KFCITU release joint report on construction worker rights violations at PyeongChang 2018

09 February 2018 11:19

Today, as the 2018 Winter Olympics begin in PyeongChang, South Korea, the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and the Korean Federation of Construction Industry Trade Unions (KFCITU) have released a joint report outlining violations of construction workers’ rights throughout the Olympic construction process.

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BWI Leaders Meet FIFA Secretary General Samoura

16 March 2017 15:53

A Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) delegation met this week with FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura who was appointed by the FIFA Council at the 66th FIFA Congress in Mexico. Representing BWI were: Ambet Yuson, General Secretary; Johan Lindholm Byggnads, Sweden; Dietmar Schaefers, IG BAU, Germany; Pierre Cuppens, ACV-CSC, Belgium; Steinar Krogstad, Fellesforbundet, Norway; Gail Cartmail and Jim Kennedy, UNITE; UK.

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Initial Statement by FIFA’s New Independent Human Rights Advisory Board March 16, 2017

16 March 2017 15:33

The FIFA Human Rights Advisory Board which includes Ambet Yuson, General Secretary of BWI met this week and issued the following statement:

We welcomed our first day and a half of substantive discussions with the FIFA Administration, including the Secretary-General, about FIFA’s human rights responsibilities. It was an important opportunity to establish a general understanding of FIFA’s human rights efforts to date, and it was a forthright and frank discussion.

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News

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First BWI-SC Joint Inspection Conducted in Qatar

08 February 2017 16:00

The first joint inspections on 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ projects have been carried out by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), the global trade union for construction workers.

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New white papers highlight connection between MSEs and human rights

02 February 2017 06:27

The Mega-Sporting Events Platform for Human Rights (MSE Platform) published the ‘Sporting Chance’ White Papers, a series of 11 white papers on the interaction between MSEs and human rights.

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South Korea

26 January 2017 16:00

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Russia

26 January 2017 15:56

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Qatar

26 January 2017 15:35

News related to Qatar

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Statement on International Migrants Day

19 December 2016 04:44

According to the International Labour Organization there are over 150 million migrants in the global workforce. Migrant workers are essential part of the global economy and without them, entire economies would collapse.

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BWI Action Alert!!! Stop Attacks against Trade Unions in South Korea: Drop All Charges against Union Leaders

19 July 2016 07:27

On 2 June 2016, 15 members of the Tower Crane Operators Branch of the Korean Construction Workers Union (KCWU) affiliated to the Korean Federation of Construction Industry Trade Union (KFCITU), BWI’s affiliate in South Korea, were found guilty under the criminal charges of “blackmail” and “obstruction of business” for merely engaging in collective bargaining negotiations.

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Studies & Publications

18 March 2016 21:00

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News

18 March 2016 20:59

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Studies & Publications

18 March 2016 20:57

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News

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News

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Conventions & Guides

18 March 2016 20:30

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Multinationals

Still too many multinationals are operating without respecting international labour standards and many governments are only interested in attracting investments.

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Migrant Workers

Supporting migrant workers remains key as they are paid low wages, and are not covered by social and labour legislation.

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Sports

Mobilizing globally for decent living and working conditions for all workers employed in relation to mega sports events is essential.

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Solidarity

Signing our protest messages to anti-democratic governments or anti-union companies will help trade unionists in many countries as they continue to face imprisonment, dismissal and discrimination.

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