Labor Unions Fighting for LGBT Rights

Posted from 365Gay.com:


The trade union movement is taking a greater role in fighting for LGBT civil rights - from negotiating contracts with protections for gay workers, lobbying Congress for rights bills, and speaking out in favor of same-sex marriage.

The Transport Workers Union of America is the latest union to announce its support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.


The legislation was introduced in Congress last month. (story) It would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee based on the person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.


"You can't just wish discrimination away," said Transport Workers Union of America President James C. Little.


"The civil rights movement taught us that. We need a federal law that protects workers not only from discrimination in the workplace but from the evil of discriminatory and antiquated state laws as well. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is the law we need and we need it now."


Little said passage of ENDA has the full support of the unions 130,000 workers nationwide. The union represents workers in commercial aviation, public transportation and passenger railroads. The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO which has been a longtime supporter of LGBT rights.


Meanwhile, in New York, unions representing 850,000 workers in the state are urging the Assembly to pass a marriage equality bill.


The unions, including the New York State United Teachers, United Federation of Teachers, the United Auto Workers, the Service Employees International Union and the Retail, Wholesale, Department Stores Union/United Food and Commercial Workers Union, and nearly a dozen other labor groups have sent a letter to all New York State Assemblymembers calling for passage of the legislation.


"As unions, we have a particular responsibility to protect equal rights and promote economic justice in connection with collective bargaining, economic benefits, and legislation that affects our members," NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin said in his letter.


“I am urging you to continue to do the right thing and co-sponsor and vote yes on the Marriage Equality bill…As you make your decision, I want you to consider my full and unwavering support for this bill. I stand in solidarity with the supportive union leaders, local unions, and area labor federations on the attached list."


NY Gov. Elliott Spitzer last month introduced legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry in New York.