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

Ramallah, 29 May 2024: BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson and President Per-Olof Sjöö join the Council of Global Union (CGU) meeting in Ramallah, West Bank, to mobilise the solidarity of 200 million working people around the world with the workers of Palestine and their families.  Hosted by the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU), CGU leaders discussed with the President, Deputy Prime Minister and Labour Minister, as well as the ILO and UNRWA,  the dire situation faced by thousands of workers in Gaza and the West Bank following months of violence and massacre being unleashed.

Ambet Yuson, BWI General Secretary said: 

"Peace in Palestine is our collective demand. The twelve million construction, building materials, wood, and forestry workers represented by BWI will continue to mobilize for this cause. 

Justice won’t be served until Palestinian workers are safe, free from fear, and able to make a livelihood and provide for their families. We pledge to do everything in our power to recover the unpaid wages that tens of thousands of Palestinian workers barred from Israel since October 7^th have rightfully earned. War cannot be a justification to deny labour justice, to pitch workers against each other, and to use them as commodities.

 We stand for peace. We stand for justice for Palestinian workers.”

During the mission, the CGU was reported on the tens of thousands of Palestinian workers who disappeared, were denied their outstanding wages, and were barred from entering Israel following Hamas’ October 7^th attack. Irsael’s construction sector has relied on Palestinian labourers for decades, constituting a significant percentage of the workforce. Following the barring of 80’000 Palestinian workers after October 7, a government-to-government agreement between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his Indian counterpart Modi aims to bring around 100’000 workers to the country to tackle the labour shortage. Migrant workers from India, Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries have already arrived under such work contracts, with some tragically losing their lives due to ongoing conflict. 

BWI President, Per-Olof Sjöö said: 

“To achieve lasting peace, we must first silence the thunder of weapons. This crucial step paves the way for a sustainable solution that acknowledges the State of Palestine and affirms the right of its people to their homeland. Only through such recognition can we hope to build a future of stability, decent work, and harmony for all.”

Read the full statement here.