THE trade union movement must be a “visible and vocal ally” to LGBT+ communities in the face of rising hostility, the TUC LGBT+ conference heard today. 

Delegates highlighted an increase in anti-LGBT+ rhetoric and weaponisation of hard-won rights by far-right and conservative forces. 

Moving a motion on tackling hate, promoting allyship and solidarity, CWU’s Moira Cahill said: “Across the UK, a culture war is being manufactured. 

“This rise in hate isn’t about protection, it’s about division. 

“As trade unionists, we know what division does – it weakens us, isolates us and pulls us away from the real fight: Low pay, insecurity and injustice at work.”

Ms Cahill said TUC has “never backed away from standing up to discrimination,” adding: “It’s written into our rule books and built into our values. But we can’t just stop here.

“Right now, LGBT members across our movement are looking at what’s happening, asking a simple question: Will my union stand up for me? And our answer has to be yes.”

Debbie Wilson, of Usdaw, highlighted the solidarity of the Lesbian and Gays Support the Miners with the National Union of Miners, calling it a “watershed moment” in the trade union movement’s support of LGBT+ equality.

“It directly led to motions being passed at TUC Congress in the mid-1980s that committed the union and labour movement to advancing our calls,” she said.

“This is just one example of what we can achieve when we stand together.” 

The unions voted to step up campaigning against anti-LGBT+ hate – with a focus on workplace protections and public awareness, work to promote allyship, ensure representation in decision-making forums, and to work together to deliver inclusive political education and training for reps and officers.