“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We, as trade unionists in Boston, MA, are required to demonstrate solidarity with trade unionists and anti-racist organizers in the Denver area. The labor movement is inextricably linked with the broader movement for justice, including the nationwide rebellions against racism and police violence. The movement for workers rights and democracy is linked at the hip with the anti-racist movement because they are parts of the overall movement for justice, freedom, and equality for all.
The organizers in the movement for justice for Elijah McClain, a young, innocent Black man who was murdered by police in Aurora, CO, were arrested and are still facing over four decades (48 years!) in prison on false felonies like "kidnapping". The collective power of workers and community activists secured the jailed organizers' release on bail, and we need to channel the momentum to completely drop these bogus charges.
This is not just for the sake of the organizers or anti-racism in general, but also to avoid a dangerous precedent being set in opposition to the labor movement. If we fail to get these charges dropped, bosses may feel emboldened to call the police and push for “kidnapping” charges against workers when they go on strike or make demands at their workplaces. We must strengthen our power as the working class, not concede more power to the owning class of corporate executives and their lackeys.
Talk is good, but action is better. First, learn more about what is happening. Read the powerful and informative statement put out by the 90,000 member Denver Area Labor Federation (DALF), which can be found on this Facebook post. Second, join AFSCME 1526 and sign on as an individual to the Trade Unionists for Justice in Denver petition Drop the charges on Denver anti-racist organizers! Third, sign up for updates on the campaign to stay informed.
