Nautilus backs ITF calls for global diversity policy

Nautilus backed a motion at the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) Congress calling for more work to promote diversity across workplaces worldwide.

The motion, which urges the ITF to promote LGBT+ rights with other global union federations – was approved to a standing ovation at the ITF Congress in Singapore.

Speaking in support, Nautilus International strategic organiser Danny McGowan told the meeting: 'Every day, millions of people go to work unable to express who they are. That can be through fear of misunderstanding, fear of prejudice, or fear of hatred and even violence - all of this from employers, or colleagues, or even the customers and passengers that use our transport services.

'And why do these transport workers have to confront such fears? Well, simply it's because of who they love - because they are from the LGBT+ community,' he pointed out.

Mr McGowan said that many unions already organise LGBT+ workers, including Nautilus which has been attending Pride in London for the last three years. 'Since that time, we have seen more and more members joining us to celebrate this event, and we have seen LGBT+ workers activating and becoming part of our union structures,' he noted.

Mr McGowan said that the approval of Motion 8 was a ‘unique opportunity' to develop such work on an international basis, both within the ITF and amongst other global union federations too.

'We are not a movement of denying people their rights, in fact we are a movement fighting for decent conditions for working people around the world. Please support this motion to help those unions and those workers who wish to coordinate and collaborate on this work - a formal chance to do so under our ITF banner.'

We are not a movement of denying people their rights, in fact we are a movement fighting for decent conditions for working people around the world