Alcoa’s Wagerup and Pinjarra workers march for pride

Workers from Alcoa’s Wagerup and Pinjarra sites donned their hard hats and glitter to march in the Perth Pride Parade last month.

The South West and Peel employees proudly flew a rainbow flag as they marched through the crowd in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer community.

Some of the workers on the float were members of Alcoa’s network group, Employees at Alcoa for Gay, Lesbian, bisexual and transgender Equality, also known as EAGLE. Representatives from the company also showed support at the South West Pridefest.

Pinjarra Alumina Refinery manager and chief of EAGLE Mark Hodgson said the Perth Pride Parade had grown bigger and better over the six years the company had participated.

“We were proud to march alongside members of the LGBTI community and allies from hundreds of business and community groups in a fabulous and very public display of support and celebration,” Mr Hodgson said.

It’s my wish that everyone, regardless of their sexual identification or orientation, can come to work and feel safe, equal and valued for who they are and the diversity of ideas and experiences they bring.

Mr Hodgson said he was proud to champion diversity and inclusion in the traditionally male-dominated mining and industrial work environments.

“I’m truly humbled by the many stories I’ve heard of the difference that putting LGBTI inclusion on the agenda has made to Alcoa’s employees, their families and friends,” Mr Hodgson said.