racial justice

Our nation’s systems, our institutions, and our societal norms have been built upon a racist foundation rooted in our history of colonialism, that gives some people privilege and intentionally takes it away from others based on the color of their skin.

The U.S. and Oregon’s Labor Movements have not been immune from these racist origins either.  Racial justice and the work of dismantling racism are Labor issues for many reasons, and the struggles for economic, and racial justice are inextricably linked.  

As workers and union members, we know that an injury to one hurts all of us.  For too long, we have been convinced to look the other way.  We have been told lies by bosses, by politicians and by those who seek to divide us further.  We must address racism in whatever form it may take and stop the inequality of income, opportunity and power.

The labor movement and civil rights movement stood together in the past, and we must continue that great tradition. 

Two years before the historic March on Washington, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed the Fourth Constitutional Convention of the AFL-CIO. He shared that day his dream that “all who work for a living will be one, with no thought of their separateness.” That solidarity, spoken into action by Dr. King, and carried in the hearts of union members, community organizers and countless others is the foundation of the labor movement - in America and around the world.

The labor movement has the incredible power to bring together intersections of struggle and galvanize working people to stand together to face those obstacles. We must redouble our efforts and do our part as allies and partners in the long-term fight for justice. In an effort to help Oregon’s unions, union members, and workers in our mission of racial justice, we have compiled resources and information.