Building a just
and equitable future.
Together
Changing the world
|
They carry our voice, our vision, and our collective strength. Through them we show what we stand for, what we fight for, and the change we believe in. Each action is a step forward, each message a spark of transformation. Together, these campaigns shine as proof of our unity and our will to shape a better world.
Heat Stress Campaign
Protecting workers and leading the just transition.
The report showed that BWI trade union affiliates from different regions across the world are engaged in various climate justice activities from workers’ protection, organising and training and coalition-building, to social dialogues and campaigns. BWI said that the report will aid its new “Strategic Plan” to make climate change and the just transition to a green economy as its top priorities.
Temperatures
above 30º
At temperatures above 30ºC, the risk of work-related accidents increases by 10-15%, and above 38ºC, risks escalate even further.
490 billion labor hours
In 2022 alone, 490 billion labor hours were lost due to heat stress, a 43% increase from the 1991-2000 average.
23% of workers exposed
In the EU are exposed to high temperatures for at least a quarter of their working hours. In construction, this rises to 45%.
COP30 Just Transition BWI German Embassy event on Heat Stress: Occupational safety in times of crisis
Stories of change
The voices that matters
Pledge to BWI'S Climate Manifesto!
Rising temperatures have an unfair impact on workers. BWI is asking governments attending the UN Climate Change Summit #COP28 in Dubai
Planet is hiting up
The planet is heating up, and workers are on the frontlines, facing extreme temperatures, unsafe conditions, and growing inequality every single day.
We need one more video here
The planet is heating up, and workers are on the frontlines facing extreme temperatures, unsafe conditions, and growing inequality every single day.
Find all resources regarding the human cost of heat stress.
Here, you'll find policy documents, reports, and key resources on heat stress in the workplace, including: The impact of extreme heat on workers' health and safety. Corporate and government accountability in protecting workers from dangerous conditions. And regulations and policies addressing heat stress in different countries and industries.
Adapting to the Heat: 2025 Edition
A tool for unions negotiating protections against heat and climate risks (June 2025).
Too Hot to Work: Call for Action
As the planet heats up and deadly heatwaves become more frequent and deadly, protecting frontline outdoor workers is critical. Under the call “Too Hot To Work,” BWI is fighting for a greener, cleaner and safer future.
ALL Campaign Materials
Too Hot to Work: find all campaign materials
Rainforests thrive with their people: stop exploitation now!
Millions depend
on forests
Over 86 million green jobs are linked to forests globally.
Unsafe and informal work
Forest workers face high injury rates and weak enforcement of labour standards.
Zero exploitation supply chains
Global framework agreements push companies toward responsible sourcing.
Stories of change
The voices that matters
Vienna C40 Cities
Building homes for people: How Vienna City’s social housing and unions deliver clean construction
Madrid C40 Cities
Can digitalisation and clean construction boost workers' health and safety?
London C40 Cities
Promoting diversity, inclusivity and clean construction starts with training programmes
Find all resources regarding the rainforest alliance.
Here, you'll find policy documents, reports, and key resources on heat stress in the workplace, including: The impact of extreme heat on workers' health and safety. Corporate and government accountability in protecting workers from dangerous conditions. And regulations and policies addressing heat stress in different countries and industries.
Forest Certification Mechanisms and Trade Union Action
A practical handbook supporting unions in leveraging certification systems for sustainable forestry practices (July 2024).
The Wood Value Chain and Amazonia (November 2023)
This study focuses on the wood industry in International Amazonia, a region encompassing nine countries – Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
JUST TRANSITION
Climate action must protect workers.
The transition to a low-carbon economy cannot come at the cost of workers’ livelihoods. As industries transform, millions of jobs in construction, materials, wood, and allied sectors are being reshaped. BWI advocates for a Just Transition rooted in social dialogue, collective bargaining, reskilling, and public investment ensuring that no worker is left behind. Climate policies must create quality jobs, strengthen labour rights, and reduce inequality while accelerating decarbonisation.
Millions of jobs at stake
Entire sectors are being transformed by decarbonisation policies.
Social dialogue matters
Strong unions ensure fair transition plans and worker participation.
Green jobs with rights
Climate action must deliver safe, unionised, and well-paid employment.
Find all resources regarding the human cost of heat stress.
Here, you'll find policy documents, reports, and key resources on heat stress in the workplace, including: The impact of extreme heat on workers' health and safety. Corporate and government accountability in protecting workers from dangerous conditions. And regulations and policies addressing heat stress in different countries and industries.
BWI-PECO Learning Manual “Building in a Changing Climate”
A guide targeting union officials and employees in the construction sector facing the realities of a changing climate and introducing the foundations of climate change for enabling critical conversations and mobilising action (December 2025).
Trends in the Global Construction, Building Materials and Forestry Sectors
A BWI research report on how climate change, decarbonisation and adaptation are reshaping global supply chains, with implications for investment, workers’ rights and just transition strategies (October 2025).
Migration, Climate, and Construction
An in-depth analysis of migrant construction workers’ rights in the green transition. (November 2024).
Labour and Climate Justice in the Built Environment
A study on social innovation practices for resilience and equity in the built environment (November 2024).
Concrete Solutions
A report focusing on just transitions in building materials’ supply chains, including cement (October 2024).
Building for Today and the Future
A BWI-IHRB collaboration outlining the future of green construction jobs with a focus on skills and decent working conditions (June 2024).
