This year’s theme is a call for unity. Only through solidarity will we create a world without injustice, where no one is left behind. After the 75th anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights, it remains the case that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” represents a promise not yet fulfilled for LGBT+ people across the world.
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “Harassment is one of the biggest problems our LGBT+ members face in the workplace. The Equality Act makes it clear that harassment, including so called ‘jokes’, is unlawful. Employers must deal with any incidents quickly and effectively and take reasonable steps to prevent them happening in the first place.
“Too many LGBT+ workers still don’t feel safe enough to be out about their sexual orientation or gender identity at work. We very much welcome this year’s theme of unity and solidarity. Trade Unions operate on the principle of an ‘injury to one is an injury to all’. We know that harassment creates dangerous workplaces that harm everyone. Usdaw believes that everyone has a right to a safe and supportive working environment free from fear of harassment or discrimination.
“We campaign all year round to tackle harassment at work, encouraging activists and members to ‘call it out’. We also work with employers to negotiate workplace policies and procedures that aim to prevent harassment and ensure incidents are dealt with fairly, quickly and confidentially. Today, on IDAHOBIT, we put the spotlight on homophobia, transphobia and biphobia, standing together with our LGBT+ colleagues speaking out against harassment at work.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest trade union with around 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion