AFL-CIO adds gender identity to constitution

The AFL-CIO amended its governing constitution on Sept. 9 to include gender identity.

Amendment 9 adopted at the organization's convention is about "welcoming all workers to our movement." The amendment was proposed by the Communications Workers of America and recommended by the AFL-CIO Constitution Committee.

The amendment amends the AFL-CIO article regarding "objectives and "principles." The revised article reads, "To encourage all workers without regard to race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, (or) sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression to share equally in the full benefits of union organization."

The convention is taking place in Los Angeles through Sept. 11.

The AFL-CIO is governed by a quadrennial convention at which all federation members are represented by elected delegates of our unions. Convention delegates set broad policies and goals for the union movement and every four years elect the AFL-CIO officers – the president, secretary-treasurer, executive vice president and vice presidents.

President Barack Obama sent the convention a message on Sept. 9.