Join the World Day for Decent Work - 7 October 2008

"Trade union rights are under threat world wide from unemployment, precarious jobs and exploitative labour practices" says Anita Normark General Secretary of the BWI representing 13 million workers in the construction and timber trades. "Every worker should have a decent job that enables them and their families to live a decent life in which their basic needs are met. Jobs will only be improved if standards and rights are respected." On the World Day for Decent Work (WDDW) on 7 October 2008, the BWI wants affiliates to join the global mobilisation all around the world to call for the right to decent work.

The BWI believes that the right to organize and bargain collectively is the first step towards decent work. Never has the need to build strong unions been more urgent than it is today. "We want strong laws, properly enforced, we want collective bargaining agreements to cover all workers in our sectors and we want all workers to join a trade union and elect trade union reps in every workplace."

In the building and timber trades, women and young workers are particularly affected by unemployment and precarious employment, and exploitation and discrimination at work. In many countries, there is informal work in construction and forestry with widespread abuse of subcontracting. Workers are employed on a temporary basis, with no insurance against periods of unemployment or sickness, insecurity of employment and no social protection. The industry also exploits many migrant workers from less developed countries. Their wages and working conditions are far from decent.

The BWI will participate in a Day of Action organised by the ITUC Geneva office to build awareness on the issue and show that Decent Work is the only sustainable way out of poverty. Join in events organised worldwide hereand take two minutes of your time to sign the WDDW online petition here! Send news of your activities to info@bwint.org

The 7th October was adopted as a common day of action by the Global Unions.