At annual meeting, IUF LGBTI workers and allies underscore the power of unity

The annual in-person meeting of the IUF LGBTI Workers and Allies Committee took place in the UK on December 1 and 2 at The People's History Museum in Manchester, a city rich in LGBTI and trade union history.

The meeting began with a welcome from Chair Michele Kessler, commemorating those who lost their lives to AIDS to mark World AIDS Day. Recalling IUF commitments at Congress in 2002, Michele emphasized that efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic were vital to Trade Unionists.

Acting General Secretary Kristjan Bragason opened the meeting confirming the commitment of the IUF to this work, outlined in the Executive Committee resolution this year to defend DEI commitments.

The panels Combatting the far right and building our work in defence of LGBTI workers and Building capacity and training needs to ensure an affirming union/labour movement were moderated by the Chair and Vice Chair, and included speakers from ILGA, the Global Labour Institute and guests from affiliated unions in the UK.

Keynote speaker Sarah Woolley, General Secretary of BFAWU, highlighted that a divided workforce was a weakened workforce. Trade unionists must organize, educate and fight back to ensure no one is left behind.

Bryan Simpson from Unite Hospitality added that the greatest antidote to fascism is workers' power. When LGBTI workers are on the picket line, loud, visible and refusing to "shrink" themselves, they directly undermine the narrative of fear and isolation from the far-right.

Rory O'Neill, Occupational Safety and Health Advisor for the ITUC also gave an important update to the Committee.

The second day focused on implementing points from the action plan adopted at the Executive Committee in 2025 planning for the 2027 IUF Congress, including a commitment to work together with other committees on the topic of intersectionality.

A new interim Chair was endorsed by the Committee, which welcomed David Imre from Unite the union into the role.

The Committee acknowledged and celebrated Michele Kessler, who was involved in launching this work in 2015, chairing the Committee since it began in 2017. Michele's dedication and hard work has been crucial to ensuring that the trade union movement continues to improve LGBTI workers' rights worldwide.

Now more than ever, the trade union movement must remain vigilant in responding to attacks from the far right, protecting the most vulnerable people in the workforce. The IUF LGBTI Workers and Allies Committee is committed to continuing this work in 2026, carrying on the legacy of Michele Kessler.

"We are proud that the IUF continues to speak out, and that so many of our affiliates across the world are fighting for LGBTI and trade union rights. It has been my greatest honour to serve alongside dedicated trade union activists, always understanding that an injury to one is an injury to all. We must never be silent," said Michele Kessler.