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Extending equality: Trade union actions to organise and promote equal rights, respect and dignity for workers regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity

While some progress has been made in a few trade unions regarding anti-discrimination and the inclusion of lesbians and gay men in the trade union structures as well as in the workplace, little has been done at European level. Therefore, as a first step forwards, ETUC together with the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA-Europe) organised the conference on ‘Extending equality: Trade union actions to organise and promote equal rights, respect and dignity for workers regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity’. It was held in Brussels on 29-30 January 2008. 

The conference helped to develop a clearer picture of what is happening at national level in this regard, as well as to encourage an exchange of best practice and gather examples of collective agreements which promote diversity and anti-discrimination in the workplace. It also facilitated networking among trade unionists and with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across Europe.

Some 80 trade unionists, experts from NGOs and policymakers participated at this first Europe-wide trade union conference on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights and discussed ways to improve trade union attractiveness and performance in this area.

Conference report and contributions

The report, entitled Extending equality: Trade union actions to organise and promote equality rights, respect and dignity for workers regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, is based on the conference proceedings. In addition, an information leaflet (available in 22 languages) highlighting the project results has been published.

For the various conference contributions and presentations, click on icons below.



Belinda Pyke, European Commission

Nick Crook (Unison, UK)

Cinzia Sechi (ETUC)
 

Silvan Agius (Ilga-Europe)

Paulo Côrte-Real (Ilga Portugal)

Gabriella Calleja (Mgrm, Malta)
 

Dolores Kandalin Mogard (Saco, Sweden)

Katrien Van Leirberghe, (Holebifederatie, Belgium)

Patricia Prendville (Ilga Europe)
 

Maria Gigliola Toniollo (Cgil, Italy)

Conference programme
 

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Last Modification :December 4 2008.