The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has launched a new resource to benefit lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) transport workers.
Global Unions launched a set of practical guidelines titled Fighting for equality; Trade Unions and LGBTI rights. The resource highlights the work already being done by LGBTI+ workers and their allies within unions.
The guides also have suggestions based on other unions’ experiences, exploring how policies and new democratic structures can help LGBTI+ members to participate more fully in the decisions and environment of the union. New and interesting campaigns are identified and there are tips on how to build a more inclusive union.
However, the ITF says the resource is only of benefit to LGBTI+ workers if their unions use it.
Commenting on the launch of the new resources, international organiser Danny McGowan said ‘We look forward to using this resource in the Union’s diversity work and learning from it, as well as sharing best practice with other unions and similar organisations worldwide. In what can be described as a challenging time for LGBTI+ cross-border workers, LGBTI+ maritime professionals must know they are represented by the Union and by the wider Global Union movement – including ITF. We also hope that those people who do not identify as LGBTI+ can use this resource to understand more about such matters.’
Commenting on the launch of the new resources, Ingo Marowsky, the co-chair of the ITF’s LGBT+ working group, said that the resource was going to be “certainly helpful for our affiliates who want to progress this important area of work, but also to those who are new to LGBTI+ advocacy and inclusion.
“This publication will be a great resource for our affiliates who want to progress with this important topic. The ITF’s mandate from our Congress is crystal clear, as is where we stand on LGBTI+ workers’ rights.”
Explore Fighting for equality: Trade Unions and LGBTI rights here
