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 Labor Taking Increasing Role Fighting For LGBT
Rights
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: May 21, 2007 - 7:00 pm ET
(Washington) 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.
©365Gay.com 2007
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