The Asia Pacific Regional Conference of Building and Wood Workers International held at Manila in Philippines from April 5 to 10 unanimously resolved to register a strong protest against exploitation of migrant labourers at Qatar and other Middle East countries including South Arabia, and Dubai and marginalization of workers’ right in Holcim and lafarge merger process.
Concerns were raised against exploitation of workers for preparation of FIFA World Cup to be held in Qatar. Further it was decided that no merger of giant companies like Holcim and lafarge (cement companies) without protecting the workers right will be allowed.
The conference strongly condemned the Chinese multinationals’ anti labour policy in China besides anti-labour and pro-industry policy of the Modi Government.
The conference was declared opened by the Secretary of labour of National Government of Philippines in presence of ITUC Asia Pacific general secretary N Sujuki, BWI general secretary Ambet Yuson, president Per Olf Sjoo and representatives of IUF and FES, among others. BWI VP and INTUC president Dr Ramachandra Khuntia presided.
“Workers from around the region - the Philippines, Nepal, Sri lanka and India are currently building the infrastructure necessary for World Cup, Qatar brick by brick, but they are doing so in conditions that speak poorly of how much benefits football is accruing to them.
The kafala system of withholding passports among other practices, which is very exploitative, the ban on unions, the utter disrespect for workers’ health and safely are all being committed in the background while preparations proceed for Qatar 2022. What is supposed to be a unifying sport is in actuality hurting an already vulnerable sector - migrant workers away from their families struggling to find a better life but not actually getting paid enough for it,” the speakers told.