Legal frameworks which prohibit discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity are imperative to ensuring the safety of workers everywhere.
The CGU LGBTI Committee have joined civil society groups from across the world to call for the renewal of this vital mandate.
“Trade unions across the world continue to advocate at all levels for LGBTI workers human rights everyday, everywhere. Fighting for safe workplaces and communities for all to live freely, without discrimination during this time in human history as the far-right wants to erase us based on sexual orientation and gender identity is of highest importance. The work of the UN needs to continue.”
Michele Kessler, Chair of the CGU LGBTI Committee
The Council of Global Unions (CGU) represents over 200 million workers worldwide. This joint statement was signed by the Global Unions affiliated to the CGU and it is crucial for us to encourage continued support for the renewal of the mandate within our local organisations and civil society.
Related Items
Standards and working conditions
9 February 2026
Teacher unions reaffirm the power of early childhood education and demand increased funding
Persistently highlighting the crucial importance of early childhood education (ECE) for inclusive quality public education, Education International (EI) and its member organisations are pushing for increased funding in this educational sector.
Harnessing the power of education for inclusion: Education International joins the 2026 Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy
The 2026 Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimination against Persons Affected by Leprosy is co-hosted by Education International and the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) Initiative, in partnership with the Damien Foundation. This year’s appeal calls for an end to stigma and discrimination associated with leprosy through the transformative power...
Trade union rights are human rights
23 January 2026
Education International denounces the blocking of high level delegation to Palestine
Education leaders were invited to mark the International Day of Education
Education International strongly condemns the decision by the Israeli occupation authorities to prevent a delegation of education leaders from entering Palestine, detaining delegation members for hours, subjecting them to interrogation, confiscating their passports, and forcibly returning them to Jordan.
Transgender Day of Remembrance: Defending trans people in the workplace
Statement by the Council of Global Unions
November 20th is the International Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR
) when we mourn our lost siblings and call for justice. It is also an opportunity to remember that an injury to one is an injury to all; trade unions have a duty to defend trans workers.