News
2006-06-29
Teamsters opens
doors to gay members
At the Teamsters
27th International Convention on Tuesday it was
announced that the union was amending its constitution to
prohibit
At the Teamsters
27th International Convention on Tuesday it was
announced that the union was amending its constitution to
prohibit membership discrimination on the basis of
sexual orientation. The Teamsters constitution already
prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color,
religion, sex, age, physical ability, and national origin.
Along with the
pro-gay antidiscriminatory provision was an amendment
cementing the union's dedication to increasing diversity.
The new portion reads, "The International Union is
proud of its history of unifying a diverse group of
working men and women from different cultures and ethnic
backgrounds in order to advance their economic social and
political interests. We are committed to the
development of an organization which values and
encourages the participation of women, individuals of
various sexual orientations, and members of racial,
cultural, and ethnic groups in the policymaking and
leadership roles at all levels of the International
Union and its affiliated bodies."
Teamsters general
president Jim Hoffa said, "These changes to our
constitution make the Teamsters one of the most progressive
unions in the American labor movement. I am proud that
our great union has taken these important steps to
protect and defend our members. These actions show
that the Teamsters are truly united in moving forward
together." (The Advocate)
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