17th May 2021
My ref: EO/16
TO: THE SECRETARY
ALL BRANCHES AND REGIONAL COUNCILS
Circular No. NP/158/21
Dear Colleague,
INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA, BIPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA – TUC RESOURCES
17th May is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) when the trade union movement stands in solidarity with LGBT+ members and workers across the globe. All workers deserve to be treated with respect and dignity at work. However we know too many LGBT+ workers have experienced harassment and unwanted behaviours which are offensive, intimidatory or humiliating.
Workplaces need to be safe and harassment free for all workers. Reps and members should know that homophobic, transphobic, biphobic or sexist comments, even if expressed due to a person’s religious belief, could amount to unlawful harassment and that any employer that does not take reasonable steps to prevent harassment is liable for their employee’s actions.
The TUC has produced a range of resources for reps to tackle these forms of harassment and discrimination in the workplace (https://www.tuc.org.uk/blogs/international-day-against-homophobia-transphobia-and-biphobia) which include:
How to be a good trans ally at work: A guide for trade union members and reps
Supporting non-binary workers: An interactive guide
Transphobic hate incidents and crimes: A guide for trade union members and reps
Yours sincerely
Michael Lynch
General Secretary