Innovation in action: BWI affiliates campaign for improved labour standards
Moderated by Fozert Mugabe from ZCATWU, the session showcased diverse speakers from Nigeria, Malaysia, Panama, France and Qatar.
Ibrahim Abubakar Walama of NUCECFWW in Nigeria spoke on the regularisation of workers at the worksites of Chinese multinational companies: “Chinese MNCs are known for disrespecting labour laws, casualisation of labour and rights violations. We are using innovative methods to mobilise workers and to engage MNCs for better working conditions and wages. We are aiming to clinch an agreement with the Chinese MNCs by December this year.”
Also in the panel, Engrit Liaw from STIEU highlighted the issues of migrant workers in Malaysia such as wage theft, lack of safe workplaces and victimisation. Engrit emphasised that a mix of strategies is essential to win trust and resolve migrants’ grievances in collaboration with other stakeholders.
Sharing insights from their OHS campaign in Panama, Jose Viquez from SUNTRACS narrated his union’s campaign journey. “Until the employers see an economic compulsion to provide OHS safeguards, it only remains an assurance. We launched the One Death, One Stoppage campaign that meant for each fatal accident, workers went on a complete work stoppage as a sign of protest.” Thanks to union campaigns, Jose informed that workplace accident rate went down drastically in Panama over the last few years.
Jean-Pascal Francois from the CGT France also took up the issue of OHS, specifically in the context of 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Narrating the conference on the social charter signed with companies, he commented: “Charters are just an expression of intent; signing is one part but what is crucial is to make sure that these are implemented at the ground.” It was repoted that on 28 September, workers building the Olympic village went on a strike over health and safety issues and wages.
For his part, Ryan Kekris of IUPATin North America outlined his union’s efforts in organising migrants in the United States. He emphasised that local workers tend to perceive migrants as competitors, prompting his union to run educational campaigns for its members.
Lastly, Dietmar Schafers of IGBAU-Germany shared BWI’s Sports Campaign which he said made important inroads in countries like Qatar where trade union rights are virtually non-existent. He explained that through its allies and partners, BWI has exerted pressure on MNCs engaged in the construction of the World Cup infrastructure and also used media and public campaign extensively. He also highlighted the establishment of Community Leaders Forum in Qatar, which he is said was a crucial and unique intervention. “The BWI and its affiliates have a long fight ahead, as per recent announcement – Saudi Arabia shall host the Winter Olympics in 2029 – the country has a poor track record on guaranteeing migrant workers’ rights who form bulk of the workforce there.”