Building justice: BWI stands with workers fighting for fair wages in Philippine Railway project

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), particularly its Asia Pacific Regional Office, stands in solidarity with the 22 project-based workers of the Asian Development Bank -funded (ADB) Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP) who are protesting against Cadcor Builders and Trading Corporation for delayed wages. BWI echoes the concerns raised by our Philippine affiliate, the National Union of Building and Construction Workers (NUBCW) regarding the unjust treatment of these workers.

The reported delays in salary payments, unexplained deductions from payroll, and non-remittance of basic benefits such as Social Security System (SSS), Philhealth, and Pag-IBIG contributions are deeply concerning. These practices not only violate labour rights but also jeopardise the livelihoods and well-being of the workers and their families.

It is imperative that Cadcor Builders, as the subcontractor responsible for the MCRP, and the general contractors, Acciona and Daelim, take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that the rights and welfare of all workers are respected and protected. Moreover, the MCRP, being an ADB-funded project is expected to comply with the financial institution’s environmental and social safeguards. 

BWI calls upon Cadcor Builders, Acciona, and Daelim to fulfill their obligations to the workers, including timely payment of wages, transparent accounting of deductions, and full remittance of benefits. Furthermore, we urge them to engage in constructive dialogue with NUBCW and the affected workers to resolve these labour rights violations swiftly and justly.

Workers are the backbone of any construction project, and their contributions must be valued and respected. BWI stands in solidarity with the Malolos-Clark railway workers and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for fair and dignified working conditions for all building and wood workers worldwide.