SAK calls for equal rights at work for sexual and gender minorities

The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions &#;8211 SAK issued a position statement this week on improving the status of sexual and gender minorities at work and in the trade union movement. Emotional job satisfaction is a key factor in the view expressed by the trade union confederation. Members of sexual and gender minorities must enjoy an equal right to self-expression and to openly discuss their private and family lives should they so wish. Offensive jokes, abusive language and bullying erode worker motivation, and can even constitute a health hazard.

- We would like to train shop stewards to recognise and tackle these problems at the workplace. We are hoping that this position statement will encourage people to speak frankly and constructively about sexual and gender minorities at work, explained SAK Equality Coordinator Linnea Alho at a seminar on equality at work arranged on Thursday of this week as part of the Helsinki Pride GLBT event.

In an address to open the seminar, SAK President Lauri Lyly stressed the historical importance of its mission
- Recognising and accepting diversity is essential for promoting equality. People of various age groups and ethnic backgrounds, the handicapped and other minorities are increasingly expressing their concerns. SAK is keen to be involved in encouraging this debate and in helping to shape public opinion. Activists and defenders of justice are essential for progress.

Lyly insisted that a frank, tolerant and equitable workplace fosters employee welfare, better job satisfaction and higher productivity. Promoting equal opportunities must become an essential part of a positively evolving workplace.

One of the objectives of SAK for the autumn round of collective bargaining in Finland is to rectify any regulations in collective agreements that discriminate against sexual and gender minorities.

Sexual and gender minorities at work and in the trade union movement. The SAK position statement in full (pdf, text in Finnish)

SAK banners to fly at Pride Park on Saturday

SAK will also be involved in the main Helsinki Pride event on Saturday 27 June. Finland’s largest labour confederation will take part in the Pride Parade and will set up a stall in Pride Park next to Finlandia Hall in the heart of the city. Further details of the 2009 Helsinki Pride Week are available on its website at www.helsinkipride.fi (click on the UK flag for a programme summary in English).