“The state of America today, further shattered by George Floyd’s murder, breaks every patriotic heart. The raw outrage we see in the streets comes as a pandemic has needlessly killed more than 100,000 of our loved ones and more than 40 million Americans are out of work, afraid they won’t be able to provide at the dinner table let alone pay next month’s rent or mortgage," said AFSCME International Pres. Lee Saunders in a statement.
“But make no mistake: the rage we see is real, and it is pulsating through our communities. I call on all of us to channel that rage toward our ultimate goal: an America that lives up to its promise for all,” pleads Saunders.
"Racism plays an insidious role in the daily lives of all working people of color. This is a labor issue because it is a workplace issue," wrote AFL-CIO Pres. Richard Trumka. He spoke briefly of riot damage to the national headquarters but quickly pivoted to his ultimate focus: "...the labor movement is not a building. We are a living collection of working people who will never stop fighting for economic, social and racial justice. We are united unequivocally against the forces of hate who seek to divide this nation for their own personal and political gain at our expense," he reiterated.
OCSEA joins AFSCME and the AFL-CIO in a call to crush systemic racism and bring down any politician or policymaker from the top down who has built a career out of stoking racial flames, denouncing working people's union power, failing to prepare our nation for this pandemic, and doing nothing as millions file jobless claims.
Here's how you can channel your anger into action:
EDUCATE
VOTE
GET INVOLVED
Read AFSCME's Pres. Saunders' full statement.
Read Pres. Trumka's full statement.
Join APRI’s fight for racial equality and economic justice
For more than 50 years, the A. Philip Randolph Institute has led the struggle for social, political and economic equality for not only Black trade unionists but all working Americans. The Institute’s mission is to provide a platform for sustainable resources for education and training on policy and legislative issues which support voting rights; social and economic justice; racial and cultural diversity; and accessible and affordable healthcare—including mental health.
“Our collective voice is heard when we speak out, stand up and fight for justice and equality.” ~ APRI
Go HERE to see how you can support the A. Philip Randolph Institute, get involved and join a local chapter near you.