Diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Unions are among the most powerful forces ensuring that everyone, no matter their race, gender, or sexuality, gets a fair shake in the workplace. Women in unionized workplaces make almost 10% more and transparency in a union contract can prevent discrimination in raises and promotions. Additionally, non-discrimination clauses in contracts ensure that union workers have protections that go beyond what is contained in the law.
“No other organization I know of brings people of all backgrounds together like labor unions.”
– Jean ﹰGonzales, UFCW Local 1564
However, the pay gap for women and people of color is real, significant and resistant to closing. It wasn’t until 2020 that it was illegal to fire someone for being gay in most states. We know that we have more work to do to ensure that every worker is paid fairly for the work they do and that hiring and firing practices are not discriminatory. We’re hopeful with the gains we’ve made, but have a long way to go.
Our locals negotiate contracts with better and new protections with our employers. We were a leader in pioneering legislative anti-discrimination work as the first union to endorse the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. That’s a legacy of pride for us and we continue the fight to ensure workplace rights and equality for every worker.
