lgbti workers

Pride 2026: “We train workers and union leaders to create safe environments," Jhon David Esteban

This article is part of a series commissioned by the CGU LGBTI Committee to mark Pride 2026, celebrating the diversity of LGBTI workers and exploring issues of inclusion, representation and equality in the workplace and within trade unions.

I am Jhon David Esteban from Venezuela’s Central de Trabajadores y Trabajadoras Alianza Sindical Independiente (ASI), which is affiliated with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

I participate through coordination between the executive committee, the union branches and the LGBTI+ or gender diversity committee through innovative training that ensures compliance with ILO Convention 190 and the inclusion manual. Through this structure, workers and trade union leaders are trained to create safe environments, transforming inclusion into a cross-cutting practice that protects dignity and fosters integration and solidarity at all levels of the ASI Venezuela Trade Union Confederation.

Article 21 of the Organic Law on Labour and Workers (LOTTT) in Venezuela (Official Gazette No. 6,076 Extraordinary of 7 May 2012) establishes the Principle of Non-Discrimination in the workplace.

It prohibits any distinction, exclusion or preference based on race, sex, age, marital status, trade union membership, religion, political opinions, nationality, sexual orientation, disability or social origin that undermines the right to work

At the ASI Venezuela Trade Union Confederation, we run an ongoing campaign to build alliances with key stakeholders and human rights and gender diversity organisations, both nationally and across Latin America. This cooperation aims to strengthen our protection strategy and implement development initiatives that ensure safe working environments for all workers.

The LGBTI+ members strengthen the union by auditing safe environments, identifying risks of harassment that others overlook, and leading innovative educational processes that modernise trade union training.

Here are some examples of good practices regarding LGBTI rights:

•     Manual on gender diversity by the ASI Venezuela Trade Union Confederation

•     Information campaigns

•     Participatory Safe Environment Audits

•     Inclusive Mentoring Programmes for branch leaders

•     Technical Training on Convention 190

•     Digital Trade Union Shield (Secure and Confidential Whistleblowing Systems)