News

CWA Statement on Senate Passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2013

07 Nov, 2013

WASHINGTON – The following is a statement from the Communications Workers of America (CWA) on the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in the U.S. Senate:

“After a nearly four-decade journey, ENDA has finally made it out of the Senate with bipartisan support and creates what no other law currently does: Express protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the workplace.

“CWA has worked to enshrine these protections in our union contracts, so that workers do not have to hide who they are out of fear of losing their jobs and livelihoods. But not everyone has the protection of a strong union contract. Every year, discrimination occurs in many forms, as American workers aren’t hired, are fired, do not receive job promotions, or deal with verbal and physical abuse from co-workers and supervisors simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“ENDA is an important step in recognizing that employment decisions should be made on the basis of an individual’s ability to perform a job. People that work hard and perform well should not be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“The bill has the overwhelming support of the American people, businesses and faith communities. It’s time to remind our lawmakers of that fact, as the bill moves to the House, where Speaker John Boehner has vowed to kill this critical legislation.

“CWA is proud to stand with our LGBT members and the LGBT community in the fight for full equality for all Americans.”