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Unifor representatives recently participated in the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) World Conference 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa, joining over 1,400 activists and trade unionists from more than 140 countries.
The event, themed “Kwa Umoja We Rise”—a Swahili phrase meaning “Together We Rise”—emphasized unity and solidarity in the fight against the rising global backlash against 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.
“In Canada we have one perspective, where a growing conservative backlash is taking root and starting to chip away at long-fought for rights. By attending this conference, and by participating in ILGA, Unifor can bring our views and lessons to the global conversation and learn from advocates around the world who are living and organizing in radically different, and often much more dangerous, circumstances,” said Billy O’Neill, Unifor LGBTQ Liaison and conference attendee.
A key part of the conference was the LGBTI Workers’ Pre-Conference, where 150 trade unionists representing 120 unions came together to address workplace discrimination, violence, and harassment. Hosted by the Council of Global Unions (CGU) LGBTI coordinating committee, the event focused on strategies to protect LGBTI workers and ensure safe, inclusive workplaces.
Zingiswa Losi, Chair of the Confederation of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), set the tone, emphasizing the need to prioritize 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in union demands. “Unions must push for LGBTI rights to be mainstreamed into the demands we make in collective bargaining,” Losi stated.
Unifor’s delegation also included Dani Fitzpatrick, Unifor Local 111 member and Chair of the BC Regional Council’s LGTB Committee and Ky Rees, Unifor Local 2002 member and member of the Atlantic Regional Council’s LGBT Committee.
Workshops and Training Highlight Global Solutions
The conference featured workshops and training sessions that equipped participants with tools to address critical challenges. Sessions included practical strategies for building inclusive workplaces, such as respecting pronouns, engaging trans workers and implementing the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190 (C190) to combat workplace harassment and violence.
Intersectional advocacy was a central theme, exploring how 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals who are also Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), have disabilities, or are newcomers face compounded barriers. Global challenges and regional solutions were also discussed, with participants sharing successful union-led initiatives to counter discrimination and foster solidarity.
The ILGA World Conference reinforced the importance of collective action and global solidarity. By participating in events like these, Unifor strengthens its commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and equitable workplaces for all members.
