An enthusiastic crowd cheered members of AFSCME Council 5, Communications Workers of America, Minnesota Nurses Association, National Association of Letter Carriers, St. Paul Regional Labor Federation and St. Paul Federation of Teachers throughout the parade route.

This year’s Pride events mark the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York City. The riots, which lasted for days, were sparked by violent police raids on bars serving the GLBT community.

Every day, workers stand up for their rights in the workplace, the marchers noted. For some, a union contract is the only protection that GLBT workers have. To ban workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Rep. Barney Frank last week introduced the Employment Non-discrimination Act. The Minnesota AFL-CIO and the national AFL-CIO strongly support his legislation.

Candace Lund, Mobilizing and Organizing Director with the Minnesota AFL-CIO, said, “We march today to show our support for all workers. No one should be discriminated against or fired because of who they are. A union contract helps give protection for workers and the Minnesota AFL-CIO strongly supports GLBT rights.”

The MN AFL-CIO’s booth was in a new, highly visible area and hundreds of visitors this year had the opportunity to learn about unions and to sign a petition supporting health care reform.

For more information
Visit www.mnaflcio.org

Photos

Union members took part in the Pride Parade on Sunday (above) and staffed the AFL-CIO booth both Saturday and Sunday at the Pride Festival. Photos by Jessica Hayssen