Twenty LGBTI trade unionists from Southern African countries attended the workshop organised by the Council of Global Unions (CGU) LGBTI Coordinating Committee on November 9th and 10th in Cape Town. The session was held in the framework of the Trade Union Pre-conference - coinciding with ILGA World Conference- a landmark moment in global trade union history, with 120 unions from the CGU represented. 

Trade unions need to do more for the inclusion and protection of LGBTI workers

Based on a comprehensive toolkit launched by global unions in February 2024, the workshop provided a safe space to learn, discuss and address violences against LGBTI workers and seize ILO C190 as a framework for creating more equal and inclusive working places. 

“As a LGBTQI+ leader, it was my first time attending a workshop of this kind. Until now, I was carrying out my work based on how I feel and see things. However, after such a session, I will do it with broader understanding,” said Mamoholoane Folene, general secretary of Lesotho Teachers’ Trade Union (LTTU). “Keep on organising these kinds of sessions to build confidence on LGBTQI+ workers,” added. 

Thanks to the safe and supporting environment, participants felt inclined to share their personal experiences and to be their true selves. 

“Build the network further,” requested another trade unionist. 

C190 is the first international treaty to recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence. Alongside Recommendation 206, it forms a framework for creating safer, more respectful work environments globally. 

Next steps

The CGU LGBTI coordinating committee will organise more training sessions to support LGBTQI+ workers under ILO C190 in 2025. The workshop in South Africa followed the first one held by the CGU in Colombia in March 2024.