YOL-İŞ President Ramazan Ağar at FGS Familia Congress in Romania: “Our Struggle is One, Our Bond is Beyond Brotherhood”

Bucharest, Romania – Ramazan Ağar, President of the Turkish Road, Construction, and Building Workers' Union (YOL-İŞ), along with his Chief Advisor Prof. Dr. Cem Kılıç, attended the 9th Congress of FGS Familia, one of Romania's largest construction and building unions, as guests of honor. Addressing the congress's opening ceremony, President Ağar delivered a powerful speech focusing on the global solidarity of labour and the historical friendship between Turkey and Romania.

“We Represent Those Who Build the Veins of Nations”

In his address, President Ağar defined the core mission of trade unionism and highlighted the vital importance of the sector YOL-İŞ represents. Ağar stated, "Trade unionism is the defense of sweat and labour. As YOL-İŞ, we represent those who build the buildings, roads, bridges, and tunnels—that is, those who create the veins and homes of nations."

Speaking to FGS Familia members, Ağar asserted that their struggle, like their work, is united and serves a supreme purpose: "To ensure that Labour, the most sacred value, receives what it deserves."

Emphasis on Global Solidarity Under the BWI Banner

Ağar emphasized the strong connection between YOL-İŞ and FGS Familia, stressing that their relationship is a bond of brotherhood that transcends geographical boundaries. He pointed to their joint struggle under the umbrella of the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), the international parent organization to which both unions belong, as a concrete manifestation of this solidarity.

President Ağar detailed the significance of the BWI: "The most concrete demonstration of this brotherhood is the fact that both unions fight shoulder-to-shoulder under the umbrella of our international parent organization, the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI). We are collectively raising the power and effectiveness of the BWI in the global labour movement. Under this umbrella, we raise our voices together against common problems, share our experiences, and support each other's struggles. The BWI offers us an opportunity to unite and show solidarity against global capital."

Historical Bridge of Friendship Between Turkey and Romania

Devoting a section of his speech to the relationship between Turkey and Romania, Ramazan Ağar stated that the bond between the two nations is not limited to trade union solidarity but is built upon a deep-rooted, historical bridge of friendship.

Concluding his remarks by addressing the significance of the congress's decisions, Ağar expressed his hope: "I wish that every decision made at this congress will be beneficial not only for FGS Familia members but also for all of Romania and the international trade union movement." The visit by YOL-İŞ once again underscored the strengthening of international trade union cooperation and solidarity in the construction sector.