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Marty Warren Statement for Pride Month 2017

May 23, 2017

In June this year, Steelworkers from all across Canada join with LGBT communities to celebrate Pride Month.

As a union, there are many opportunities in our communities to take part in LGBT activities. One of the largest Pride events in the country is the Pride Parade in Toronto to be held this year on June 25th.

For our workplaces in Ontario, Bill 132 came into effect in September last year. This legislation specifically protects LGBT workers by recognizing that sexual harassment includes unwanted actions and comments against gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.

This new legislation will mean that the union will have greater ability to ensure protection at work, and, fairness in promotion and hiring.

While June is a month of celebration for the LGBT communities, activists and allies, it must be remembered that the fight for equality must take place throughout the year.

I urge our members to:

  • Elect or support a Human Rights Committee to ensure the employer’s compliance with updated human rights legislation
  • In Ontario, to promote our three hour “Preventing and Dealing with Harassment in the Workplace” workshop which has been updated to reflect Bill 132
  • Attend Pride Month events in your community
  • Negotiate strong collective agreement language, particularly for equality seeking groups such as LGBT

In solidarity,

Marty Warren
Director, District 6

Pride events in Ontario

Download a USW Pride Flag Order Form

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