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As trade unionists, it is our responsibility to speak out and to act against the threats and violence that come with bigotry and oppression, wherever and whenever they occur.
Ottawa (17 Aug. 2017) — The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is filled with sadness and outrage, after watching the violence that erupted in Charlottesville, Virigina this past weekend.
We mourn the death of activist Heather Heyer who was killed by a man who used his car as a weapon to silence those protesting against hate and bigotry. We mourn with those Americans who want a President that will stand up and unequivocably denounce racist and discriminatory ideas and behaviours.
We know that racism permeates our society. We know that the racists who rallied in Charlottesville wanted to spread fear and silence those who oppose them. We also know that this is not simply a problem confined to the United States or other countries. Canada has its own racists, white supremacists and purveyors of hate!
As trade unionists, it is our responsibility to speak out and to act against the threats and violence that come with bigotry and oppression, wherever and whenever they occur.
We stand with those in Charlottesville who took to the streets to oppose the presence and ideology of white nationalists, the KKK, and the alt-right.
We are with the people who continue to stand up to the racists and those who fight for equality and justice.
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is committed to working with our Components and our allies to oppose racism and discrimination in our workplaces, in our communities, and in the world. We are proud to be part of an anti-oppression movement that values diversity and respect. We will not be silenced and will continue to use our voice to create equality for all.