Ambet Yuson General Secretary of the global construction union Building and Woodworkers International (BWI) received a standing ovation on the first day of UCATT conference on Monday when he spoke about the migrant labour abuses in Qatar.

In his speech Mr Yuson said that: "FIFA and Qatar deserve a red card for allowing 1.2 million construction workers to be exploited and denied fundamental human rights."

Mr Yuson used his speech to launch the BWI's 11 key demands for both Qatar and FIFA to abide by. These include the right for the workers to form a trade union and the abolition of the kafala system which forces workers into bonded labour. Mr Yuson, said: "If Qatar do not comply with this there can be no World Cup."


The BWI are preparing to launch a multi-media campaign to put greater pressure on the Qatari Government and FIFA to agree to the 11 demands.

Mr Yuson also announced that UCATT General Secretary Steve Murphy has been chosen as part of the global committee that will negotiate with FIFA and Qatar about ending the abuse of migrant workers and complying with the 11 labour demands.

Mr Yuson further demanded that multinational companies including Balfour Beatty must abide by international labour standards.

Steve Murphy, General Secretary of UCATT, said: "This is vital step forward in the battle to win justice for the migrant workers of Qatar. FIFA and the Qatari Government must recognise the growing international anger and ensure these demands are implemented."

(CD/MH)