Pride At Work, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender constituency group of the AFL-CIO, is organizing a group to march in the 34th annual Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 29. The parade is the end of a big weekend for labor in Chicago.
'People need to understand the intersection of Labor and Civil Rights and having labor representation in pride events really brings that intersection into focus,' said Sandra Telep, Bilingual Organizer for Pride at Work. 'The support we've received from local and national union leaders sends a clear message that the labor movement values the contribution of all workers.' In addition to a walking group, the labor contingent will have a float donated by SEIU Local 1.
'A union contract is an LGBT worker's best protection. Until federal legislation is passed, a union contract is the only protection many workers have against discrimination,' said Mel Ferrand, a local Pride At Work member and member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 58.
To join the Contingent, contact Sandra Telep, (202) 637-3988 or stelep@aflcio.org or see www.prideatwork.org .
June 26: Work & Family Conference on Bargaining & Policy: includes discussion of LGBT Family Friendly Policies
June 27-28: Civil Human & Women's Rights Conference: will focus on key civil-rights struggles, including updates on sexual orientation and gender identity/gender expression workplace victories & obstacles
For info: Rachna Choudhry, (202) 508-6904, Rchoudhr@aflcio.org .
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