Brussels, 17/05/2010 (Agence Europe) - On the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia 2010, on 17 May, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) expressed its solidarity with all workers facing discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity in Europe and throughout the world. This human rights struggle not only includes trade union rights, but it also covers a strong commitment to equal treatment and non-discrimination as well as respect and dignity for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people (LGBT). Diversity helps form efficient teams at work and respect is at the basis of this initiative, and individual commitment. ETUC Special Adviser, Veronica Nilsson, said that, “It is important that trade unions remain committed to the fight against discrimination and that Europe step up its efforts to ensure that LGBT people fully enjoy their civil rights”. She is also hoping that there will be a rapid adoption of the “Article 13” draft directive (fair treatment). The ETUC also supported the conference organised by the OPZZ (Confederation of Polish unions) on 15 July in Warsaw during Europride, which aims to promote unionism among LBGT workers in Eastern and Central Europe. (G.B./transl.fl)