Statement by Christy Hoffman, UNI General Secretary to US affiliates:
UNI affiliates across the United States have spoken out in recent days to condemn the police murder of George Floyd and to call for justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, all recent victims of racist brutality against black men and women in the United States.
Global solidarity means an injury to one is an injury to all, and UNI Global Union joins your call for justice and supports your fight to dismantle racism. As trade unionists, we know that there is no economic justice without racial justice. Our aim is to give voice to the voiceless and to lift and empower all workers, regardless of colour or creed. This cannot happen under the weight of structural racism.
We support those who protest in grief and anger against these horrific acts. We share your alarm at the remarks of President Trump, who has promised to further militarize the suppression of protests, and has called for more aggressive police tactics, in an attempt to inflame, rather than heal.
This is a moment of pain, of sorrow, of rage, and of fear. But this is also a moment for hope, bold actions, profound changes, and renewed determination. As one activist said so eloquently on Friday night, as he urged an end to the violence on the streets, we must “plot, plan, strategize, organize and mobilize” for the racial justice that will bring us peace.
The fight against racism is everyone’s fight. This is our call to action.
Solidarity.
#BlackLivesMatter #JusticeforGeorgeFloyd
