SFL Statement on the Transgender Day of Remembrance
Released November 20, 2020
Today, the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour stands in solidarity with trans people and allies to mark the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. Today is a day to celebrate and honour the lives of those who have been killed as a result of transphobic violence, and to call attention to the continued violence experienced by transgender people in Saskatchewan, Canada and around the world.
While recent years have seen gains for transgender rights, far too many still face discrimination and violence in their workplaces and communitues. We must all work together to ensure that our unions and our workplaces are inclusive and welcoming spaces for trans and non binary people. Every person deserves, and has the right, to live and work free of violence and harassment. Through collective bargaining, education, and lobbying the government for increased rights and protections, unions and the labour movement play a vital role in ensuring that this right is enforced.
However, recognizing and putting an end to transphobia doesn’t end at the bargaining table, or with the passing of legislation. We must all collectively take responsibility to speak out and fight against the discrimination faced by transgender and gender diverse people in our workplaces and our communities. Support your co-workers and those in your community who are facing and who have faced transphobia, and call out those who use transphobic language. Attend local pride events, and support the work being done by unions and human rights organizations to end transphobia in Canada and in other countries around the world. Be aware of your own biases, and work to be an ally to all LGBTQ2S+ people.
The SFL will continue our commitment to fighting transphobia discrimination in all its forms, and ensuring that our workplaces and communities are a safe place for everyone.
