Defending Trans Workers: A Call to Action on Transgender Day of Remembrance

On November 20, 2025, the International Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) serves as a solemn occasion to honor the lives lost to violence against transgender and gender diverse individuals. The UNI Global Union, alongside other global trade union federations, emphasizes the importance of defending trans workers, particularly in light of rising far-right movements that threaten the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) community.

Defending trans people in the workplaceDefending Trans People in the Workplace

According to the Trans Murder Monitoring (TMM) project, which tracks global murders of trans and gender diverse people, 281 individuals were reported murdered between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. This figure represents a decline from the previous year's total of 350 murders. However, the decrease does not necessarily indicate improved safety; rather, it may reflect a growing invisibility of these crimes in media reporting. Notably, sex workers constitute 34% of the victims, while activists and trans-rights leaders account for 14% of the cases, marking an increase from previous years. Latin America and the Caribbean remain the most dangerous regions, with 68% of murders occurring there, and Brazil continues to lead globally with 30% of total cases.

Defending trans people in the workplace

Trade unions are called upon to advocate for safe and inclusive workplaces for all workers, recognizing that attacks on the trans community extend beyond LGBTI spaces and signify broader assaults on civil liberties and workers’ rights. Michele Kessler, Chair of the Council of Global Unions LGBTI Committee, stated, “History has taught us that we cannot remain silent. We call on everyone in society to take action in whatever capacity they can, to protect the lives of transgender and gender diverse people.”

Defending trans people in the workplace

The rise of transphobic rhetoric is viewed as a precursor to attacks on other rights, including collective bargaining and workplace safety. Critics argue that deeming certain groups undeserving of fundamental rights sets dangerous precedents that can be weaponized against various marginalized communities. The Council of Global Unions emphasizes that trans rights are integral to LGBTI rights, which in turn are part of broader human rights.

Defending trans people in the workplace

The UNI Global Union and its affiliates stress the urgent need for solidarity and action to protect the lives of transgender and gender diverse individuals. The responsibility lies with the global trade union movement to ensure that transphobic rhetoric is challenged and that all workers are afforded the rights and protections they deserve. As the TDoR reminds us, an injury to one is an injury to all, and the fight for trans rights is a fight for human rights.

Defending trans people in the workplace

• “History has taught us that we cannot remain silent. We call on everyone in society to take action in whatever capacity they can, to protect the lives of transgender and gender diverse people, to demand a better world where all lives are valued and respected.” — Michele Kessler, Chair of the CGU LGBTI Committee.

Defending trans people in the workplace