November 2022 – The Building and Woodworkers’ International (BWI) General Secretary Ambet E. Yuson has released a statement from COP27 in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, calling for “real action” from COP27 leaders.

The statement asserts that “for most workers in the construction, wood and forestry, and building materials sectors, the dangers of climate change are a stark reality. With the increase in extreme climate events, from droughts and forest fires to tornados, hurricanes, flooding, and extreme heat, risks have become visible, widespread, and tangible, jeopardising health and safety in workplaces and communities.”

Workers in BWI sectors from various regions have experienced the direct impacts of climate change, which are likely to increase. Workers are already organising around these issues, and need to be a part of the conversation at COP27.

BWI General Secretary Ambet E. Yuson continued: “As leaders  address climate change at COP27, they must ensure justice, respect and dialogue with trade unions in BWI sectors today and in the future, and promote policies that effectively address both climate change, social and economic justice.”

Read the full statement on BWI and its demands at COP27 here