As part of BWI's preparations for its  in the run-up to the COP 28 in Dubai, its trade union affiliates in Zimbabwe met on 17-18 July in Harare to discuss the latest updates and developments on the global climate crisis, particularly the unprecedented and extremely dangerous heatwave sweeping many parts of the world, and how workers and their workplaces are affected by adverse weather patterns.  BWI Zimbabwean affiliates ZCATWU, GAPWUZ, and CLAWUZ have also committed to developing their respective campaign plans to promote greater worker health and safety protection and a just transition to a green future.  

“There is no escape from the effects of climate change. If trade unions will not forge their own agenda on the matter and actively participate in formulating strategies to mitigate and soften the devastating effects of the climate change, we will not only lose our jobs, but also our communities and very lives,” BWI Regional Women’s Committee Chair for Africa and Middle East Fozert Mugabe said.

Mugabe, who is also the Deputy General Secretary of the ZCATWU, said that the two-day meeting allowed trade unions to exchange ideas, strategies and perspectives on how to achieve decent work standards in the construction, cement, wood, and forestry sectors amidst the climate crisis. https://www.bwint.org/