The Quadrennial Pride at Work Convention was recently held in Minneapolis, MN, at the Millennium Hotel Minneapolis.
The IAM works with constituency groups like Pride at Work and other ally groups to make positive legislative changes that benefit not only the LGBTQ+ community but all workers in general. Pride at Work educates and advocates on behalf of union and non-union members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) communities.
This year’s theme was “Out for Democracy,” highlighting how much democratic values underpin the LGBTQ+ equality movement and the labor movement. Like the labor movement, Pride at Work believes in every person’s right to a voice in their workplace and government. But those core democratic values are under attack from all sides.
WATCH: Machinists are ‘Out for Democracy’ at Pride at Work Convention
IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes spoke to the Pride at Work delegates during the opening plenary session.
“We came here to redouble our efforts in the fight to achieve social, economic justice and respect for all LGBTQ+ community and workers,” said Cervantes. “The IAM fights daily to ensure collective bargaining agreements cover and protect the rights of all IAM members, including our LGBTQ+ siblings.”
The IAM had a strong contingency of IAM members to hear from different speakers from the labor movement who advocate on behalf of LGBTQ+ workers.
“Labor’s voice is powerful when leaders speak out publicly against conditions our union family faces at work,” said IAM Women’s and Human Rights Director Julie Frietchen. “It can dramatically impact the lives of our members.”
The post Video: Machinists are ‘Out for Democracy’ at Pride at Work Convention appeared first on IAMAW.