“The working people of Virginia do not and will not stand for discrimination and hate in our communities.” That was Doris Crouse-Mays, President of the Virginia AFL-CIO, responding to last weekend’s white supremacist rally and ensuing violence in Charlottesville.
Unions and allies came out strongly against what AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka called “the hateful views and violent actions of white supremacists and neo-Nazis.” The labor movement, added Trumka, “condemns this domestic terrorism and remains committed to eradicating the despicable causes of hatred and intolerance.” Crouse-Mays said that “Virginia’s working families have fought long and hard to overcome the discriminatory policies of our past and to create an environment of inclusion and fairness in workplaces across the Commonwealth. We will continue to devote every ounce of our abilities to ensure that the rights and safety of all Virginians are preserved.” Here’s today's labor history: On this date in 2012, South African police opened fire on a large crowd of men who had walked out on strike at the British-owned Lonmin platinum mine at Marikana, killing 34 workers. The miners – who earned roughly $400 a month – were on strike over wages. In contrast, Lonmin’s annual profits for shareholders in 2011 was $273 million, and its CEO was paid nearly $2 million a year. Today’s labor quote is by George Meany, who said “You only make progress by fighting for progress.” George Meany, plumber and founding president of the AFL-CIO, was born on this date in 1894 in the Bronx. Union City Radio is supported by UnionPlus, which is committed to improving the quality of life for all working families; find out more at unionplus.org.
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