Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) is at the forefront in defending human rights, trade union rights and equality for all workers. This commitment also includes equal treatment, respect and dignity for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered workers (LGBT).

Legal framework

The EU provides for a legal framework to protect workers that are discriminated against on the grounds of their sexual orientation or gender identity. One directive is already binding in all EU Member States: Council Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation. The EU is planning a new directive which will extend rights in areas such as access to services to other grounds, including the ground of sexual orientation.

While an effective set of laws against discrimination is an essential tool to help stamp out unfair treatment, laws on their own are not enough. Research has shown that there is little knowledge or awareness throughout Europe – including in trade unions – that sexual orientation is one of the non-discrimination grounds recognised at EU level.

ETUC four-year action programme

ETUC at its congress in Seville in May 2007 adopted a four-year action programme, in which it commits itself to:

invest in awareness raising activities on these issues;
take more effective action on prejudices that may be present in trade unions and among their members;
step up its actions and activities to encourage an exchange of experiences and best practices which promote diversity and non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity in trade unions and in the workplace.

Network on LGBT rights

Following the adoption of the ETUC recommendations on actions and activities promoting equal rights, respect and dignity for workers regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity in December 2008, ETUc has set up an informal network of trade unionists willing to share news and information on LGBT policies and activities. To register to the network, please contact Barbara Boyle at bboyle@etuc.org

Further information

The following list highlights material on the specific issue of sexual orientation, gender identity and the promotion of equal rights by ETUC, its affiliated members, as well as the European institutions.

ETUC

ETUC recommendations, ETUC actions and activities on promoting equal rights, respect and dignity for workers regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, Brussels, 4 December 2008
ETUC report, Extending equality: Trade union actions to organise and promote equal rights, respect and dignity for workers regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, Brussels, ETUC, July 2008
ETUC leaflet, Extending equality – Trade union in action! Organising and promoting equal rights, respect and dignity for LGTB workers (available in 22 languages), Brussels, September 2008
ETUC conference, Extending equality: Trade union actions to organise and promote equal rights, respect and dignity for workers regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, Contributions and presentations, Brussels, 29–30 January 2008