Ambet Yuson, General Secretary of the BWI Global Union. I want to express of my sincere solidarity and support to our members; our comrades in Italy and Spain; and all workers around the world; including those construction and wood workers / who lost their jobs / wondering how to feed their families; / migrant workers trap in labour camps away from their families;
I am concerned about the safety and health of the construction workers who are still at work; the informal women workers in South Asia who depend on their daily income.
I am concerned about the safety of the forestry workers who are making our toilet papers.
This is a difficult time for us, not only in your country but across the world.
We call on the employers / including multinational companies TO PUT PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT — protect the workers; provide extra-ordinary health and safety measures; ensure that wages are paid; and extend paid sick leaves for those affected.
We call on governments TO SERVE THE PEOPLE -- provide workers with wage and income protection; employment protection and access to health care.
This is a time for unity and global solidarity, across sectors, across borders and to all workers and their families everywhere.
Our solidarity goes especially to all the frontline workers. I am thinking about the doctors, nurses and health workers who have been working tirelessly at great personal risk. I am thinking about the transport and grocery workers; journalists and teachers; electricians, building and public sector workers who continue provide support for essential services and medical facilities. It is now that we are realising the importance of your work in our society and our well-being.
You are the real heroes; you are the COVID heroes. Thank you for all the work that you are doing everyday. From BWI, Thank you.