BWI announces climate justice partnership, releases action report

On the eve of its 5^th World Congress, the Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) on 4 October 2022 forged a climate justice partnership with the Laudes Foundation, a philanthropic organisation focused on responding to the crises of inequality and climate change. 

In a panel discussion that carried the theme “Unions in Action for Climate Justice,” BWI President Per-Olof Sjöo lauded the partnership, saying it is an important contribution to achieving a “pro-worker” and “climate-smart economy.” He asserted that no real transformation in the economy and environment can happen top-down without workers taking action and gaining ownership of the decisions affecting their lives.

“We need strong partnerships to make this momentous shift from ‘business as usual’ to a ‘climate-smart economy’ that guarantees decent work and prioritises justice in workplaces and communities. With Laudes, we share a simple aim: no systemic change can happen without workers’ ownership of the transformation,” Sjöo said. 

BWI also used the occasion to launch its 100 Union Actions on Climate Justice Report, which brings together and showcases the wide range of actions BWI affiliates around the world are taking to adjust to the impacts of climate change. It was reported that all BWI regions are engaged in a wide range of climate justice activities from workers’ protection, organising and training and coalition building to social dialogues and campaigns. The report will aid BWI’s plan to make climate change and the just transition as its top priority in its new Strategic Plan. 

“It is now our challenge to develop the capacity of our movement to develop a comprehensive approach to ensure that national governments enable and facilitate a just transition, and that employers and financiers take their fair share of responsibility of a transition that is both socially and environmentally just,” Sjöo remarked. 

Download the report. Full report    Executive Summary