BWI Global Cement Network pushes for climate protection, decent work, and a just transition in the international cement industry

The BWI Global Cement Network convened on 21-22 September 2024 in Geneva to collectively analyse and formulate proposals for the future strategy and campaigns of the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) in the cement industry. The meeting also aimed to prepare key points for the upcoming International Labour Organisation (ILO) tripartite meeting on the "Promotion of Decent Work and a Just Transition in the Building Materials Industry, including Cement."


BWI affiliates have a significant presence in the cement sector, spanning both multinational corporations and domestic companies. As these companies diversify their operations—ranging from recycling construction waste to developing new energy storage facilities—there are considerable opportunities for expansion in terms of membership and geographic reach. Emerging players in this evolving industry also present potential targets for union organising.


Union leaders and experts from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, Honduras, India, Italy, Mauritius, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ukraine, and the UK gathered to assess the industry’s current state and discuss ongoing regional and international transformations. They also highlighted the situation of workers in Ukraine, addressing unions' efforts to protect workers amid the ongoing conflict.


Participants shared examples of best practices. In Italy, social partners signed a joint agreement to decarbonise the cement, lime, and gypsum sectors, including a focus on repurposing exhausted quarries for renewable energy projects. In Spain, the implementation of environmental representatives in cement plants and the development of skills and vocational training programmes for sustainable practices were lauded as successful initiatives. Lifelong learning programmes to help workers adapt to new technologies were also highlighted.


Gerard Rijk from Profundo provided an update on the financial and strategic analysis of Heidelberg Materials, including insights into the company's human rights policies and the implications of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in the European Union.


The cement industry has long faced criticism for its reliance on subcontracting, health and safety challenges, limited union representation, wage disparities, and inadequate collective bargaining coverage, particularly within the supply chain. Additionally, the industry faces mounting pressure to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in line with the United Nations' sustainable development goals on climate change.


However, many companies lack commitment to social sustainability, frequently sidelining workers and their unions during the transition process. Most cement plants have neither concrete plans for a low-carbon transition nor a focus on a just transition. Where plans do exist, they often fail to include consultation with workers and unions. Climate initiatives must not be used as an excuse to cut jobs, close plants, or worsen working conditions; instead, they must aim to improve worker safety, health, and skills development.


In light of these issues, the network meeting underscored the importance of ensuring that technological changes in the cement industry occur through a participatory process that includes trade unions and is guided by principles of social protection, employment preservation, skill enhancement, and continuous employment. This also includes the BWI–Argos Cementos International Framework Agreement which was presented as a positive example for the industry, demonstrating the potential for productive collaboration.


The network also issued the following demands to cement companies:


1. Engage in genuine social dialogue with trade unions to uphold commitments to a just transition.

2. Integrate a social dimension into CO2 reduction targets, climate change measures, and digitalisation policies, ensuring trade union involvement to protect workers and achieve a just transition.

3. Respect the right to freedom of association for all workers worldwide.

4. Include all cement workers—both directly employed and subcontracted—in the transition to more sustainable, socially responsible, and climate-friendly production of cement and concrete.


BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson said that a just transition can only be realised if decarbonisation efforts are paired with respect for internationally recognised core labour standards. "For once, companies must put lives before profits. There is no just transition without workers, skills, and employment. We, the workers, are building the future and ensuring a just transition in the building materials industry."