Contact: Chelsey Engel, 412-562-2446, cengel@usw.org
“Our union was founded on the guiding principle that all workers should be treated with dignity and respect. In 1942, our founders declared that we would unite in one organization, regardless of creed, color or nationality, all working men and women eligible for membership. This month, as the world observes the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots with annual Pride celebrations all across the globe, we recommit to that principle and honor all of our proud members of the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community.
“For the past two and a half years, our country’s administration has launched relentless attacks on LGBTQ+ Americans, from banning transgender soldiers from serving in the military, to aiming to give doctors the right to deny health care to patients because of who they love. These actions do not represent the American spirit or the principles that lie at the core of the labor movement, including our union.
“Labor leaders and activists must continue fighting both in Washington and at the bargaining table to empower LGBTQ+ workers by pushing legislation such as the Equality Act and improving union contracts by adding non-discrimination language that includes sexual orientation and gender identity protections.
“The USW calls on its activists to celebrate Pride across the United States and Canada this month by recommitting to this fight, and to continue ensuring LGBTQ+ voices and concerns are addressed in the halls of Congress and within our collective bargaining agreements.”
The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in manufacturing, metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in public sector and service occupations.