9 December, 2024The first online discussion in IndustriALL on LGBTI+ workers, held on 26-27 November 2024, brought attention to the critical challenges faced by LGBTI+ individuals in workplaces and trade unions. These challenges include discriminatory laws, workplace violence, exclusion, and pervasive homophobia and transphobia within unions. During the 2 days participants shared inspiring stories of activism, where union members have worked tirelessly to advocate for inclusivity and equity, turning these challenges into opportunities for change.
IndustriALL assistant general secretary Christina Olivier emphasized the global union movement’s responsibility to protect the rights of all workers, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
“As a global union, it is our responsibility to represent and protect the rights of all workers.”
IndustriALL general secretary Atle Høie added:
“It’s about time we do this meeting. Everyone on this call is aware that LGBTI+ workers are everywhere. All workers need a trade union, and we need workers.”
The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of key terms such as sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics, underscoring the importance of understanding these terms in local contexts. This is essential for engaging organizations and promoting inclusive language and policies.
The Laws on Us 2024 report produced by ILGA World (The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association) highlighted both progress and setbacks in global legal landscapes affecting LGBTI+ rights. There has been progress, such as a reduction in the number of countries criminalizing same-sex acts. However, setbacks like Uganda’s death penalty law and increasing criminalization in countries such as Iraq and Indonesia underscore the ongoing challenges. Furthermore, workplace and healthcare protections for LGBTI+ individuals remain limited, with only 77 countries offering employment protections and just 53 offering healthcare coverage.
Personal accounts from IndustriALL affiliate members shed light on the challenges faced by LGBTI+ workers. A representative from the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU) spoke about the lack of policies to protect LGBTI+ individuals and discrimination in employment. In Sri Lanka, a participant shared how queer identities are often dismissed and how LGBTI+ people are forced into marginalized sectors.
A representative from the Associated Labor Union (ALU) in the Philippines discussed the progress made with laws like the Safe Spaces Act, while also addressing the stalled SOGIE Equality Bill, which would offer comprehensive protections against discrimination.
A participant from CNQ Brazil highlighted the need for integrating LGBTI+ issues into union agendas and fostering awareness to overcome cultural biases.
A representative from FEASIAS in El Salvador spoke about the creation of safe spaces for LGBTI+ workers and collaborating with feminist movements to prioritize LGBTI+ issues within unions.
The United Steelworkers (USW) representative emphasized that unions must create spaces where LGBTI+ workers feel safe and supported.
The ILGA Trade Union pre-conference outcome report also highlighted recommendations that were identified by IndustriALL members such as LGBTI+ issues being included in collective bargaining agreements, youth involvement being prioritized, and more importantly that LGBTI+ issues should not be confined to women’s committees, as they are broader gender issues.
Moving forward, IndustriALL is committed to supporting affiliates in organizing and bargaining for LGBTI+ workers' rights. It will continue its collaboration within the LGBT coordinating committee (GUFS & ITUC) and will use its website to share resources on LGBTI+ workers, CBA language, and promoting diversity and safe workplaces. Additionally, IndustriALL will focus on raising staff and affiliates awareness trough awareness-raising programs. The organization will also develop an inclusivity checklist to help unions identify areas for improvement and ensure more inclusive workplaces.
By building regional and global networks, organizing focus group discussions, and enhancing visibility, IndustriALL aims to strengthen its impact on LGBTI+ workers' rights and foster greater inclusivity within the labour movement.