The 17th meeting of the BWI Africa and Middle East Regional Executive Committee (AFRECO) took place virtually via Zoom on 21 November 2023. This marked the first AFRECO meeting following the BWI 5th Congress, bringing together 25 delegates from all sub-regions of Africa and the Middle East, including BWI Regional and Global Staff. Chaired by BWI Regional Vice President Oloka Mesilamu, the meeting was welcomed by BWI Regional President Abdel Monem El Gamal and officiated by BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson.
Leading to the United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP 28) in Dubai, the AFRECO endorsed BWI’s Global Campaign report on Climate Change which carried the theme "Heat Up Workers’ Rights, Not the Planet.” Last week, BWI released a manifesto on healthy and safe workplaces in extreme heat and other severe weather events. BWI’s Manifesto calls on every government and all other industry and civil society actor, to work together to deliver on policies that safeguard the health and safety of construction workers performing work in high-risk environments induced by the climate crisis.
BWI Regional Representative Crecentia Mofokeng reported on the outcomes of BWI’s 5th Congress and related meetings, highlighting resolutions and the strategic plan adopted, with contributions from Africa and the Middle East. Notably, the decision to welcome associate members, following World Board procedures and guidelines, was emphasised. The meeting also addressed various regional developments, with special attention given to the situation in Palestine and Israel, where many innocent lives people were lost due to the ongoing conflict. Millions are now grappling with the dire humanitarian conditions, prompting a call for international solidarity. The 17th AFRECO urged all affiliates in the region to support humanitarian efforts on the ground. Given challenges arising from climate-related issues, the Regional Presidium recommended an additional clause in the AFRECO policy on membership. This would allow the acceptance of new trade unions with memberships below the current recommended threshold for a limited period, as determined by the 17th AFRECO.
Reports from the Chairperson of the Regional Committee, Dr. Fozert Mugabe, and the Chairperson of the Regional Youth Committee, Akayezu Marie, on Regional Women and Youth matters were presented. The 17th AFRECO adopted these reports, along with the Regional Action Plan 2023-2026, financial report, and membership report. Affiliates were encouraged to promptly pay affiliation fees and consider fee increases where possible. Additionally, the AFRECO endorsed the Global Campaign report on Climate Change titled "Heat Up Workers’ Rights, Not the Planet." The overall outcome of the meeting was deemed successful, and anticipation for the 18th AFRECO in Egypt in September 2024 is high.
