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TUC LGBT Conference 2017 - Usdaw championing the rights of transgender workers

Date: 05 July 2017 Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw has a delegation of members and officials attending the Trade Union Congress annual conference for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers.
The conference is one of the largest annual gatherings of LGBT activists and workers, taking place on 6 and 7 July at Congress House in London.

Usdaw delegation is asking conference to back the TUC LGBT Committee in their work to press for full legal equality for trans people and support affiliates in their ongoing work to combat transphobia, challenge discrimination and negotiate workplace policies and procedures. 

John Hannett – Usdaw general Secretary says: “We welcome the progress made towards achieving legal equality for trans people, particularly the improved protection afforded by the Equality Act, however there remain significant gaps in legal rights and much needs to be done before full equality is achieved. 

“Discrimination against trans workers and low levels of awareness of employment rights, together with ignorance and prejudice mean that many trans people don’t receive the support they need or are entitled to at work. Trade union reps play a vital role in supporting trans workers and it is clear that trade union members undergoing gender reassignment are more likely to have a positive experience at work.

“To make progress it is essential that the TUC and affiliated unions ensure that reps are properly resourced, supported and trained on issues relating to  gender identity, gender reassignment and equality law.”

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest trade union with nearly 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 20% in the decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the Union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.

For Usdaw press releases visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion

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The official website of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers