The ETUC is committed to equal treatment and respect for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender, queer and intersex workers (LGBTIQ).

LGBTIQ workers still suffer from discrimination in the world of work and in society due to their sexual orientation.

In times of crisis, as in the case of the Covid pandemic, the rights of LGBTIQ people are even more under threat, due to lack of legislative protection and underrepresentation in workplaces and society in general.

We firmly believe that there is an urgent need for the EU and national governments to step up their efforts to improve and enforce legal protection for LGBTIQ people against discrimination. This would ensure their safety and guarantee their fundamental rights. To this end we encourage national governments and the EU, to re-open the discussion of the Horizontal Directive and to move towards its long-overdue adoption.  

In June 2021 the ETUC has adopted the resolution: LGBTIQ Rights are Trade Union Rights. The ETUC will continue to convene online meetings of the equality and non-discrimination working group, which among other will serve as a place for dialogue, exchange of the best practice and strategical planning towards the ETUC Congress 2024

The ETUC recognises the great work that has been done by its affiliates on a national level and commits to showcase their work and good practices in the dialogue with the EU institutions.  We will increase our work with national trade unions to support LGBTIQ equality at work and within the labour market. We will also continue to lobby with MEPs and Ministers to see that an effective LGBTIQ equality strategy is adopted in the EU.