John,
Our history has been intertwined with toil and struggle, from the oppressive days of slavery to the continued fight for justice and equity today. This Labor Day, as we take a moment to appreciate the contributions of workers across the nation, let's also recognize the unique challenges that Black workers have historically faced.
It's essential to acknowledge the legacy of systemic racism and terrible working conditions that have disproportionately impacted the opportunities afforded to Black laborers. However, during these struggles,
labor unions played a pivotal role in fighting for change and equity in the workplace.
Unionizing is one of the best ways workers can address racial inequities in the workplace and fight for other benefits like higher wages and better health care. On average, Black union workers have higher wages and better access to health and retirement benefits than their non-union peers.
Black workers across the country have built local labor movements from the ground up time and time again – since before Black people were even allowed to participate in unions. We continue to experience the widening of the wealth gap, the erosion of workers' rights, and right-wing efforts to undermine unions -- all at the particular expense of our Black working class.
The history of Black people and the labor movement is long and deep. In honor of this Labor Day, we are committed and prepared to fight in solidarity with Black workers every step of the way. Join us by committing to worker solidarity by signing on now >>
The extraordinary effort to silence the voices of Black workers isn't anything new.
Consider our endeavors in Bessemer, Alabama where Amazon did everything in their disposal to prevent workers from forming a union. We've fought alongside fellow workers because corporations thrive when we're divided.
In the same way, unions give workers a voice in the workplace with a direct impact on wages and working conditions, data shows that unions also give workers a voice in shaping their communities.
So John. This Labor Day we need to go even bigger than we did the last time around, and we'll be fighting alongside Black workers every step of the way. Sign the letter of solidarity now.
In love and solidarity,
Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation
