EFBWW

04/05/2026

Foreign workers deceived, underpaid and exploited. This time in Sweden’s forestry industry, but it could have happened anywhere. This fraudulent business model operates across Europe.

What happened in Sweden’s forestry sector shows once again why stronger enforcement, clear responsibility and limits to subcontracting are needed.

It requires political action at EU level. Trade unions must mobilise as key legislative proposals are expected in 2026.

Workers in construction, wood and forestry must be protected, regardless of where they come from.

Bryter mot lagar och avtal
LURADE I SKOGEN - Dagens Arbete har träffat thailändska säsongsarbetare som vittnar om beslagtagna pass, trånga sovsalar, ockerhyror och höga kontantbetalningar.

Skogsentreprenören som har uppdrag för Svenska kyrkan och Sveaskog kan ha gjort sig skyldig till ett flertal brott mot lagar och avtal, enligt experter Dagens Arbete pratat med.
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01/05/2026

1 May message from EFBWW President Claus von Elling.

On International Workers’ Day, we stand together in solidarity with workers across Europe.

A few weeks ago, the European Commission presented its proposal for the so-called “28th regime”. For our sectors, this raises serious concerns.

Trade unions must now act to ensure that cross-border business does not come at the expense of workers’ rights and fair competition.

01/05/2026

1 May message from EFBWW President Claus von Elling.

On International Workers’ Day, we stand together in solidarity with workers across Europe.

A few weeks ago, the European Commission presented its proposal for a so-called “28th regime”. For our sectors, this raises serious concerns.

Trade unions must now act to ensure that cross-border business does not come at the expense of workers’ rights and fair competition.

01/05/2026

Today we celebrate workers across Europe - their skills, their contribution and their collective strength ✊

As trade unions, 1 May is about rights won through solidarity: fair pay, safe workplaces, and dignity at work. We hope everyone can take a moment to enjoy the day.

But the work is not finished.

Across our sectors, workers still face unfair competition, unsafe conditions and growing pressure. The fight for strong rules and real enforcement continues.

Workers in construction, wood and forestry build Europe's future. It is our responsibility to ensure they are protected while doing it.

30/04/2026

As IG BAU prepares for its 2026 Congress, construction delegates met in Steinbach to take stock and set priorities earlier this month.

A key achievement stands out: equal pay and full equal treatment between construction workers in East and West Germany - more than 35 years after reunification. A major victory.

The message going forward is clear: strengthen health and safety, make the sector more attractive for young workers, and ensure real, respectful social dialogue.

EFBWW highlighted ongoing EU challenges, including social dumping and the need to limit subcontracting. We thank IG BAU for its strong support.

Vice-President Carsten Burckhardt was equally clear: “Racism and the far right have no place in our movement.”

30/04/2026

Climate risks at work are no longer exceptional. EU rules must:

🔹 recognise extreme weather as an occupational risk
🔹 set clear exposure limits
🔹 define when work must stop
🔹 ensure protection across subcontracting chains

This week, we mark International Workers’ Memorial Day and highlight a simple fact: work is changing, and workers need rules that protect them in practice.

29/04/2026

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW) on Tuesday issued a joint statement markin…

29/04/2026

Across Europe, workers in construction, wood and forestry are demanding protection that matches reality. Heat is not just discomfort, it is a workplace risk.

Work is changing. Protection must follow.