On 17 May, LGBTIQ communities and their allies mobilise to raise awareness of violence, discrimination, and repression. Trade unions have participated in pride marches and advocated for equal rights. The day has been celebrated since 2005. Today, it is commemorated in more than 130 countries worldwide.

In April, industriAll Europe adopted a pledge to fight for LGBTIQ-friendly workplaces.

IndustriAll Europe Deputy General Secretary, Judith Kirton-Darling affirms:

“We pledge to work with employers to ensure that collective bargaining agreements do not discriminate. For example, parental leave needs to be granted to rainbow families, just as it is to heterosexual couples.”

IndustriAll Europe is also committed to review its own policies, documents and processes to ensure that they promote LGBTIQ equality.

Judith Kirton-Darling:

”Diversity and inclusion are not about political correctness. They are about appreciating the skills, knowledge and personal attributes of everyone we work with. We hope that we can join non-virtual pride celebrations again next year.”

View the industriAll Europe position paper on rainbow workplaces: Our commitment to equality for LGBTIQ workers: EN, DE, FR

Contact: Andrea Husen-Bradley (press and communication), Maike Niggemann (policy adviser)