IndustriALL’s affiliate NUMMS in Sri Lanka is actively supporting the formation of a transgender union, with the aim to create a more inclusive, equitable, and just society, where transgender workers can enjoy equal rights, dignity, and opportunities in the workplace and beyond. In Sri Lanka, the fight for transgender rights has reached new heights as trade unions rally together to support the creation of a transgender national union. On May Day in 2023, at an important march for unions in Sri Lanka, transgender workers joined in the march hand in hand with trade unions with a common message: “We demand rights for transgender individuals”. This transformative journey is shedding light on the struggles faced by transgender individuals and the resilience they demonstrate in pursuing their rightful place within the labour movement.
“Transgender individuals have no policies or laws protecting them in Sri Lanka. The president of the transgender workers union is working hard on this topic, and we are supporting them,” said Sulani Mendis, NUMMS organiser.
By actively engaging with transgender workers and their allies, trade unions in Sri Lanka are playing a pivotal role in dismantling discriminatory practices and advocating for comprehensive legal protections. NUMMS see the potential to reshape the landscape of labour rights for transgender individuals across the country.
