Why DEI Must Be Embedded in Union Contracts—Not Just Corporate Policies

ORLANDO—As corporate interests and far-right officials wage an aggressive campaign against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), workers across the nation are pushing back—demanding more than symbolic statements. They want legally binding protections anchored in federal legislation and enforced through collective bargaining agreements. That message rang loud and clear at the 54th Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) International Convention, where labor leaders and activists gathered to strategize for a more equitable future.“Black excellence is not a fluke…it’s integral to the greatness of this country!” declared Rev. Terry L. Melvin, President of CBTU. His words reflected the urgency of embedding DEI into union contracts to safeguard Black workers and other marginalized communities from the erosion of workplace rights.AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler connected the current DEI struggle to the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. She called on union members to unite against those attempting to dismantle hard-won progress. Without enforceable DEI protections, advocates warn, the promise of equality in the workplace remains nothing more than a corporate PR illusion.