Union demands release of body cam footage leading up to the death of Karon Hylton

32BJ SEIU stood in solidarity with the family of Karon Hylton, the union announced yesterday. “His loss is felt deeply by a close relative represented by our union and we join the demand for the release of body cam footage, transparency and accountability,” said Jaime Contreras, Vice President of 32BJ SEIU, which represents over 20,000 Black and immigrant essential workers in the D.C. area. “We strongly condemn the police’s handling of the matter, which did not have to end tragically,” Contreras added. He noted that as a union representing mostly Black and Brown workers, “our members cannot escape a dangerous, daily reality, through no fault of their own. They fear brutality at the hands of law enforcement and are on the frontlines as essential workers who clean and secure buildings. Many have to travel to and from work during off-hours and fear being harassed and brutalized by the police.”