Ei-iE

As EI continues to defend and promote democracy, we must not forget that the fight for LGBTI rights is inseparable from the wider struggle for democracy, it cannot function without the full protection of universal human rights for all workers, without exception.

This year, for the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia ( IDAHOBIT) on May 17th, the Council of Global Unions LGBTI committee reflects on what lies at the heart of Democracy in our annual IDAHOBIT statement. Trade unions built on solidarity play a vital role in protecting the rights of workers who face discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. 

The Council of Global Unions represents over 207 million workers in 163 countries worldwide. The CGU LGBTI Committee is comprised of members from each of the global unions, including affiliate representatives. On our website, LGBTIworkers.org, we publish details of the projects we have carried out as a committee, as well as work carried out by global unions and affiliates at national, regional and international level. 

As a queer trade unionist who has worked in the hospitality sector for many years, I understand first-hand the importance of this work, and the difference we can make by empowering LGBTI workers and growing our membership with support from the unions. Educating people on LGBTI rights and trade union rights is key; whether it is students, union members, union officials or workers themselves. Making that important link to show where they intersect is crucial, not only to the trade unions but to LGBTI workers themselves. LGBTI workers have always been present, even if they haven’t always been visible. Quite simply, LGBTI rights are workers’ rights because LGBTI people are workers and members of our unions, often facing unique challenges in the workplace because of this.

This year, we will build on our existing projects including the training on ILO Convention 190, recognising the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment (including gender-based violence), which gives us the tools to combat violence and harassment against LGBTI workers. We will also continue our webinar series which makes this work accessible to all, inviting workers from all over the world to hear from guest speakers and discuss what global unions are doing to combat anti-LGBTI attacks on the community. We will continue to publish our annual statements for IDAHOBIT on May 17th and the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th. 

Our new projects include training on how to be an ally to the transgender community. The far right is using transphobic rhetoric in an attempt to dismantle democracies. It is our responsibility as trade unionists to stand together in unity and fight back against attacks on any oppressed workers. We know that an injury to one is an injury to all, if we don’t stand up for the most vulnerable workers, it leaves all of us vulnerable. We aim to include more transgender and non binary workers voices in our projects, ensuring that we are advocating for every letter of the LGBTI+ community.

The Council of Global Unions LGBTI Committee is dedicated to improving the rights of LGBTI workers worldwide, bringing workers together from every global union to share our struggles and successes. By promoting inclusivity, organising collectively, celebrating diversity and engaging in advocacy work, trade unions not only safeguard vulnerable workers but also reinforce democratic values, resist authoritarianism and attempts by reactionary forces to oppress minority groups. Education unions play a key role in the fight for LGBTI rights and quality education for all. We rely on support from the global unions to ensure our important work can continue at this critical moment and the support of Education International has been invaluable to the committee.

As EI remains committed to advocating for equity in society, advancing social justice and challenging all forms of discrimination, we invite affiliates of EI to join us in solidarity by getting involved in this work. As a member of the LGBTI+ community or as an ally, your support is always encouraged and very much needed.