Workplace Discrimination: A Survey for LGBTQIA+ People (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

UNIA and Immediate Boarding launch a survey to investigate workplace discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people. Published online on Sunday, the questionnaire aims to shed light on a reality that affects at least half of non-heterosexual workers in Switzerland.

Contesto

In brief - UNIA and Immediate Embarkation have launched a survey to investigate workplace discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people - The questionnaire, published online on Sunday, aims to shed light on a reality that affects at least half of non-heterosexual workers in Switzerland ## Workplace discrimination: still a current issue in Switzerland Workplace discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people is still a current issue in Switzerland. According to a 2020 study by the University of Geneva, 54% of non-heterosexual workers reported experiencing discrimination at work. In Ticino, the situation does not seem to be different. Chiara Landi, head of the tertiary sector of UNIA Ticino and Moesa, told RSI's daily news that 'reports of discrimination do exist, although they are not numerous'. ## The consequences of workplace discrimination Workplace discrimination can have serious consequences on the professional career and psycho-physical health of LGBTQIA+ people. It can indeed lead to limited career opportunities, reduced remuneration, and increased stress and anxiety. Moreover, discriminated people may feel isolated and discriminated against in their private life as well. ## The survey by UNIA and Immediate Embarkation To shed light on this reality, UNIA and Immediate Embarkation have decided to launch an online survey to investigate workplace discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people. The questionnaire, published on Sunday, aims to collect the experiences and testimonies of those who have suffered discrimination at work. UNIA, the Swiss workers' union, stated that 'we want to develop together new strategies to combat the culture of discrimination in the workplace'. ## Operational checklists to prevent workplace discrimination To prevent workplace discrimination, companies c...

Dettagli operativi

Implications for LGBTQIA+ Cross-Border Workers in Ticino The survey may have implications for LGBTQIA+ cross-border workers who work in Switzerland, particularly in Ticino, where the LGBTQIA+ community is estimated to comprise around 10,000 people, according to a 2020 estimate by the LGBT Ticino Association. These workers may be interested in completing the questionnaire to have their voice heard and contribute to creating a more inclusive and respectful work environment. Moreover, the survey results may lead to new policies and initiatives to combat workplace discrimination, including for cross-border workers. For example, in 2021, the Confederation introduced a law that punishes discriminatory practices based on sexual orientation or gender identity with fines of up to 20,000 CHF. However, the law has not yet been uniformly applied across all cantons, and Ticino is one of the cantons that has not yet adopted specific measures to combat LGBTQIA+ discrimination. For LGBTQIA+ cross-border workers who work in Ticino, completing the questionnaire may be an opportunity to report the challenges they face in their work environment. For instance, they may report difficulties in accessing specific health services for LGBTQIA+ individuals, such as hormone therapy or assisted reproduction, or difficulties in recognizing same-sex unions or marriages celebrated abroad. In addition, the survey results may provide a valuable dataset for organizations working to promote LGBTQIA+ rights, such as the LGBT Ticino Association, to pressure local and national authorities to adopt specific measures to combat discrimination. Finally, completing the questionnaire may be an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ cross-border workers to discover local resources and communities to which they can refer for...

Punti chiave

How to participate in the survey To participate in the survey on the theme of discriminations in the world of work for LGBTQIA+ people, you can access the following link: online questionnaire. The questionnaire has been designed following the principles of inclusivity and respect for anonymity, and can be filled out until July 31st. The survey was promoted by the Swiss Trade Union (USS) and the Ticino Workers' Union (UTdL) to shed light on the working situation of LGBTQIA+ people in the canton of Ticino. The initiative is part of the broader context of the fight against discriminations and for the respect of the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, which has become a global priority. In Switzerland, the federal law on equality (LUG) of June 18, 1998, prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, despite the legislation, discriminations persist and can manifest themselves in various forms, such as bullying, sexual harassment, denial of promotions or salary increases, or exclusion from company social activities. The survey aims to collect concrete data on the situation of LGBTQIA+ people in the world of work in Ticino, to identify critical issues and suggest solutions. The answers will be anonymous and will serve to provide a complete picture of the situation, without territorial or sectoral discriminations. To participate in the survey, you can follow this checklist: 1. Access the online questionnaire link: questionario-unia-imbarco-immediato 2. Answer the questions honestly and completely, without fear of being identified. 3. Share the questionnaire with other LGBTQIA+ people who work in Ticino, to increase the representativeness of the collected data. The survey is a unique opportunity to give a voice to those who ofte...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"Who can participate in the survey?","a":"The survey is intended for all LGBTQIA+ people who work in Switzerland and have experienced workplace discrimination."},{"q":"What are the topics covered in the survey?","a":"The survey addresses workplace discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people, with a particular focus on trans, queer, intersex, and asexual (TQIA+) individuals, who are more psychologically and physically vulnerable."},{"q":"How is the anonymity and privacy of participants guaranteed?","a":"The questionnaire has been designed with anonymity and confidentiality principles in mind. The collected data will be treated anonymously and will not be used to identify participants."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the survey?
The survey is intended for all LGBTQIA+ people who work in Switzerland and have experienced workplace discrimination.
What are the topics covered in the survey?
The survey addresses workplace discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people, with a particular focus on trans, queer, intersex, and asexual (TQIA+) individuals, who are more psychologically and physically vulnerable.
How is the anonymity and privacy of participants guaranteed?
The questionnaire has been designed with anonymity and confidentiality principles in mind. The collected data will be treated anonymously and will not be used to identify participants.

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