International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the UITBB Secretariat reiterates its commitment to combating dangerous ideologies such as fascism, xenophobia, racism, and nationalism, particularly as they target vulnerable groups such as immigrants and refugees. In 2024, we continue to affirm that all workers are united, regardless of their color, religion, language, or country of origin. UITBB stands firm in its resolve to advocate for the rights of all workers, irrespective of their ethnic, racial, or any other identifying characteristics. We underline the fact that that individuals do not choose to become immigrants or refugees; rather, these conditions often result from the exploitative actions of capital and its allies.
The construction industry, which our organization represents, continues to employ significant numbers of immigrant and refugee workers who are often subjected to egregious exploitation by employers seeking cheap labor and tactics to undermine organized labor. This exploitation manifests in forms such as unemployment, informal labor, and subcontracting, creating divisions within the working class and eroding the rights of local workers. It is imperative that we, as a global trade union movement, stand in solidarity to address these injustices.
UITBB calls upon all affiliated organizations and allies worldwide, guided by our class-oriented principles and strengthened by the decisions made by our international bodies, to escalate their efforts. We advocate for the integration of foreign workers into host societies and trade unions through comprehensive social, political, and cultural initiatives to ensure they can access the same benefits as local workers. By improving working conditions in the construction industry and countering reactionary forces that exploit the vulnerabilities of working people, we demonstrate the power of international solidarity.
Unity among workers in the construction sector and in the entire working class is vital, as racism is on the rise, and it is used by capital to weaken the working class. As we navigate the challenges of 2024, let us remember that our strength lies in our collective action and unwavering commitment to justice and equality for all.
UITBB Secretariat