The following statement is in effect at meetings of the London and District Labour Council:
Union solidarity is based on the principle that union members are equal and deserve mutual respect. Any behaviour that creates conflict prevents us from working together to strengthen the labour movement.
As unionists, mutual respect, cooperation and understanding are our goals. We neither condone nor tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Discriminatory speech or conduct which is racist, sexist, transphobic or homophobic hurts and divides us. So too, does discrimination on the basis of disability age, class, religion, language and ethnic origin.
Sometimes discrimination takes the form of harassment. Harassment means using real or perceived power to abuse, devalue or humiliate. Harassment is not a joke. The uneasiness and resentment it creates are not feelings that help us grow in solidarity.
Discrimination and harassment focus on characteristics that make us different. They reduce our capacity to work together on shared concerns such as decent wages, safe working conditions, and justice in the workplace, society and in our unions.
The CLC’s policies and practices reflect our commitment to equality. This event is a harassment free zone to ensure that the dignity and equality of all sisters and brothers is respected.