14 December, 2009
The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) held its 2nd World Congress at the Grand Palais in Lille, France, last week, under the theme “Global Solidarity for a Sustainable Future.” The vision of the Congress read, “A world with strong independent and democratic trade unions in the building and timber trades, where all workers have equitable access to stable jobs, fair wages and safe and healthy working and living conditions."
Just fewer than 700 delegates, representing construction, and wood and forestry workers throughout the world, debated the most important issues in these sectors, as well as adopting the Global Union Federation’s (GUF) strategy for the next four years. The plan sets out how to improve working and living conditions in the building and wood sectors and promote sustainable industrial development.
Outgoing BWI General Secretary Anita Normark
A host of meetings were held around the Congress, including the BWI International Women’s Conference on 5 December, a Global Youth Conference and International Women’s Committee on 6 December, regional committee meetings on 7 December, BWI’s World Board and World Council on 8 December, with the main Congress taking place on 9-10 December.
The Congress took up the General Secretary’s report which prioritized the following areas of work: global migration, climate change, Chinese multinationals, the need for vocational training for affiliates worldwide, and the need to pursue the GUF’s membership growth.
The BWI said farewell to outgoing General Secretary Anita Normark. with BWI President Klaus Wiesehügel, who was re-elected to another term, stating she would be badly missed by all. "She has never forgotten the needs of trade union members and affiliates,” said Wiesehüge.
Newly elected General Secretary Ambet Yuson
Newly elected General Secretary Ambet Yuson also paid tribute to Normark: “Anita, you have been a great leader for this organization. To be your successor will not be easy.” The new general secretary laid out his vision to create "One International, One Movement and One Vision working together.”
Ambet, of the Philippines, worked for 20 years in his country’s pro-democracy movement, which brought down the dictator Marcos. He has served as BWI’s regional representative for the Asia-Pacific Region from mid -2007 to the present, and also worked for over 12 years with BWI affiliates as project coordinator and then globally as education secretary.