ILO calls to end discrimination against LGBTIQ+ workers

Last updated on May 27th, 2022 at 09:52 am

On Wednesday, the International Labor Organization (ILO) has released a document calling for protection of LGBTIQ+ workers globally. The document titled “Inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons in the world of work” has called for member nations, employers, organizations and workers representatives to launch protection programmes and policies to protect rights of LGBTIQ+ workers and end the discrimination they face at workplaces.

The people belonging to LGBTIQ+ community are subjected to discrimination on basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, sex characteristics and gender expression along with being harassed both sexually, physically and mentally.

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What does the ILO document say?

Sources cite the document by ILO mentioning that discrimination of people projects a direct impact on economy, that costs not only the LGBTIQ+ people, their families, but also companies and national economy.

Need for a national policy

The document released by ILO that formulating a national policy and review of labor law will help governments to assess the working environment and policies for LGBTIQ+ workers in their countries.

“This will allow the identification of concrete steps for improving the legal and policy environment, ending discrimination and exclusions, and complying with international instruments,” the document said.

Social dialogue the key to end discrimination

ILO has underlined that social dialogue between LGBTIQ+ community, workers’ organizations and employers is the key to end discrimination against the community. “This will allow the identification of barriers faced by LGBTIQ+ persons when entering the labour market and accessing government schemes, including those on social protection,” the document said.

“Studies have shown that diversity in the workplace, including LGBTIQ+ persons, is better for business. It signals a creative environment that creates the right conditions for economic growth. Employers’ organizations can provide policy guidance to their members, undertake advocacy and raise awareness on including LGBTIQ+ persons in workplaces, promote social dialogue and collective bargaining, and facilitate learning and sharing of good practices among members,” the document noted.

ILO has urged the trade unions to help workers of LGBTIQ+ community to exercise their right to freedom of association. “Many LGBTIQ+ workers, particularly those in smaller workplaces, may feel isolated without visible LGBTIQ+ peers or allies,” the document said.