The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) having 56 affiliated trade unions from countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka convened an online conversation on Covid-19 and the world of work recently.

BWI Asia Pacific vice-chair Dr RC Khuntia moderated the meeting, attended by 200 trade union representatives. Apart from trade union leaders, the meeting was joined by South Asian migrants from Kuwait, Oman, UAE and Qatar who shared their challenges and issues during Covid-19.

South Asia representatives from German Trade Union Confederation, DGB-BW; Dutch Trade Union Federation, FNV; Finnish Trade Union Federation, SASK and the ILO were also present as observers.

The online meeting commenced with a short video by the BWI South Asia Office - ‘The Homeless and Hopeless: Migrant Workers’ highlighting particularly the plight of migrant workers.

In his inaugural address, BWI general secretary Ambet Yuson said, “We are with you in this difficult time and will continue to support your struggles to protect rights of workers including the millions of migrants during this pandemic. We must not be defeated by COVID-19 crisis but also see this is as an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with our members and prepare for the ‘new normal’ in our work.”

Vice-president Dave Noonan extended solidarity to workers and expressed concern on the havoc created by the Cyclone Amphan in India and Bangladesh.

 Dr Khuntia made a detailed presentation on impact of Covid-19 in South Asia and trade unions’ interventions in the sub-region. He outlined trade unions’ actions in responding to Covid-19 crisis – advocacy with the Government, linking workers with stimulus packages, outreach and relief work and social dialogue with

employers.

The presentation also raised important challenges faced by trade unions and workers – ensuring health and safety and Covid-19 safeguards as worksites and industries open up, changes being brought out in labour laws by the Governments on the pretext of Covid-19 and bringing relief to migrant workers.

Dr  Khuntia also informed that around 300 people died while returning to their native place in India, including 80 death inside the train and bus. He demanded national Governments pay 50 lakh to the family of each deceased worker.