Solidarity with Pride: International trade unionists stand against authoritarianism in Budapest
Budapest – July 7, 2025 – On June 28, Budapest Pride marked a historic moment: despite an official ban, surveillance threats, fines, and threats of prosecutions, the streets filled with a record-breaking 200,000 proud and peaceful marchers, including trade unionists.
The trade union movement in Europe joined the march, loudly announcing their solidarity with pride. The three European divisions of the global unions of which UFCW is affiliated – IUF, UNI & Industriall – made clear that attacks on 2SLGBTQ+ rights are attacks on trade union rights.
Together in Pride, Together in Protest
In a joint statement, The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and ILGA-Europe issued a joint statement to stand united in defending the rights and freedoms of LGBTIQ people and workers across Europe.
“Our movements are bound by a shared commitment to equality, social justice, and democratic freedoms—principles that are increasingly under threat,” the statement says. “The ban on Budapest Pride is not just an attack on LGBTIQ people—it’s an attack on democracy, freedom of assembly, and the right to organise.”
“Both our movements are rooted in the struggle for dignity, equality, and justice. We know that an attack on one is an attack on all. The banning of Pride marches and the growing repression of those who defend LGBTIQ equality are part of the same anti-democratic playbook that targets workers and their trade unions.”
UN renews crucial human rights expert mandate on sexual orientation and gender identity
In other significant news, the UN Human Rights Council renewed the mandate of the only human rights expert within the United Nations system that is specifically dedicated to addressing violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse persons.
UFCW Canada, as an associate member of ILGA World, alongside many organizations worldwide, signed onto the joint statement urging the UN Human Rights Council to renew this mandate. UFCW Canada was proud to also support the 2022 renewal of this mandate and to support global activism amongst a rising tide of transphobia and 2SLGBTQ+ hate.
Thanks to this vote, the Human Rights Council reaffirmed its commitment to combating discrimination and violence against everyone, reminding all States of their obligations towards people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
The Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) will now be able to continue the work for three more years.
As a strong workers union representing members in both the US and Canada, UFCW holds solidarity with these international actions and will continue to speak out in the face of continuous attacks against 2SLGBTQ+ union members.
UFCW OUTreach issues statement on US Supreme Court Anti-Transgender Ruling
Following the United States Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in United States v. Skrmetti, upholding Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming hormone therapies for transgender people under 18, UFCW OUTreach released the following statement:
“Since its inception, it has been a principal cause of America’s Labor Movement to strengthen healthcare access for all working people, no matter who they are or how they identify. While we mourn the inevitable harm that will stem from this Court’s ruling, we remain committed to wielding our collective power as trade unionists to protect and uplift transgender children, parents, and families through mutual aid, strong union contracts, and concerted political action. The antidote to anti-trans legislation will always be to stand in solidarity with one another as 2SLGBTQ+ community members, allies, and advocates to grieve, plan, and organize for a brighter future.”
