Inclusive Contracts Matter to LGBTQ Working People
WHEREAS, working people find protection and strength in both the solidarity of their fellow union members and the strength of the language of their collective bargaining agreement; and
WHEREAS, in most states in the country, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer working people are only protected from discrimination in the workplace by their contract and not by state law; and
WHEREAS, unions and the labor movement have provided historically discriminated-against groups, such as women, people of color; trades people, labors, equality in the job by demanding fair and equal wages, benefits, and terms of employment; and
WHEREAS, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer union members have greater access to health care and retirement security; and
WHEREAS, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer working people belong in their union and the labor movement must make room at the table for them; and
WHEREAS, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer working people are sticking with their unions as anti-union groups, billionaires, and the government tries to break the voice of working people;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Pride at Work and its chapters advocate, agitate, and educate while working toward providing our national, state-wide, and locals inclusive anti- discrimination language and trans-inclusive health insurance language and information for union contracts;
THEREFORE, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that Pride at Work and its chapters conduct surveys of unions large and small to help ensure that anti-discrimination language and trans-inclusive health insurance programs are included in any contract that a union negotiates from this day forward.
Submitted by James Larson, Eastern New York Chapter
Approved August 25, 2018