Workers Out! a great success. CUPE Members Empowered

MONTREAL—For CUPE 391’s Peter DeGroot, Doug Klohn and Tara Robertson, the Workers Out! conference was an empowering experience they’ll remember for years to come as they continue working to make a difference for lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) CUPE members.

CUPE was a major partner of the Workers Out! conference. Over three days last week, the Vancouver Public Library trio and other CUPE members from across Canada were among the 350 participants from labour organizations all over the world who participated in workshops, plenary sessions and round-table discussions. They were working on an international strategic plan to help unions take up the struggle for LGBT rights in the workplace and in society...

DeGroot, Klohn and Robertson produced a blog about the event. After four days, the site was loaded with colourful photos and a wealth of information reflecting the diversity of delegates, the range of issues and the meaningful connections made....

At the closing of the conference, The Declaration of Montreal was shared with all of the delegates. This declaration challenges the United Nations to advance the human rights of ALL people around the world. That our conference focused on LGBT issues, it follows that The Declaration of Montreal does have an emphasis on the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered people, but it clearly shows that we are not basing our movement on this narrow perspective. Until full Human Rights are achieved for all, the organizing will continue.