Juneteenth: The Fight Continues for Racial and Economic Equality
“Our union has recognized the importance of racial justice in and outside of the workplace over the years.”
-Machinists Union International President, Robert Martinez
Juneteenth holds a vital place in American history. As a holiday, it commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Celebrated on June 19, this day is a tribute to the abolition of slavery, first observed in 1866 by Black Texans in Galveston, Texas. As the IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. articulates, this day was more than just an end to a harrowing chapter of history. He writes, “This day marked the end of an ugly chapter in American history and a new beginning for Black Americans and their quest for equality.”
However, Martinez underscores that the fight for democracy and economic justice is ongoing. “This day is a reminder that the fight continues for democracy and economic justice for all Americans,” says Martinez, elucidating on the role of the IAM union in this battle. Their efforts have been instrumental in dismantling societal barriers and paving the way for full participation for everyone.
According to Martinez, collective bargaining agreements are essential in confronting current threats and ensuring economic success. “The collective bargaining agreements we have fought for over the years have been an essential tool that allows everyone to succeed economically,” he says. An existing threat looming large is the erosion of voting rights, which labor movements strive to counter by highlighting harmful legislation.
In the fight for workers’ rights, Martinez emphasizes the significance of unity and diversity. He states, “We must all come together and fight for workers’ rights. The best way to achieve that goal is to embrace and celebrate our diversity.” For the IAM union, racial justice has always been a pivotal issue. Their constant fight is to ensure its presence in their collective bargaining agreements. Martinez believes “racial justice and economic justice go hand in hand.”
As Juneteenth approaches, Martinez encourages reflection on the strides made thus far and the future work required to achieve racial and economic equality for all. He writes, “Please take this holiday to reflect on how far we have come and the work needed in the future to achieve racial and economic equality for all.”
In closing, Martinez’s words resonate as a profound rallying call for all of us. His message is clear: the fight for racial and economic justice is far from over, and in the spirit of Juneteenth, we must stand in solidarity, committed to continuing the battle for a more equitable future.
+ The full statement can be read here.
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Juneteenth: The Fight Continues for Racial and Economic Equality
June 19, 2023
“Our union has recognized the importance of racial justice in and outside of the workplace over the years.”
-Machinists Union International President, Robert Martinez
Juneteenth holds a vital place in American history. As a holiday, it commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Celebrated on June 19, this day is a tribute to the abolition of slavery, first observed in 1866 by Black Texans in Galveston, Texas. As the IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. articulates, this day was more than just an end to a harrowing chapter of history. He writes, “This day marked the end of an ugly chapter in American history and a new beginning for Black Americans and their quest for equality.”
However, Martinez underscores that the fight for democracy and economic justice is ongoing. “This day is a reminder that the fight continues for democracy and economic justice for all Americans,” says Martinez, elucidating on the role of the IAM union in this battle. Their efforts have been instrumental in dismantling societal barriers and paving the way for full participation for everyone.
According to Martinez, collective bargaining agreements are essential in confronting current threats and ensuring economic success. “The collective bargaining agreements we have fought for over the years have been an essential tool that allows everyone to succeed economically,” he says. An existing threat looming large is the erosion of voting rights, which labor movements strive to counter by highlighting harmful legislation.
In the fight for workers’ rights, Martinez emphasizes the significance of unity and diversity. He states, “We must all come together and fight for workers’ rights. The best way to achieve that goal is to embrace and celebrate our diversity.” For the IAM union, racial justice has always been a pivotal issue. Their constant fight is to ensure its presence in their collective bargaining agreements. Martinez believes “racial justice and economic justice go hand in hand.”
As Juneteenth approaches, Martinez encourages reflection on the strides made thus far and the future work required to achieve racial and economic equality for all. He writes, “Please take this holiday to reflect on how far we have come and the work needed in the future to achieve racial and economic equality for all.”
In closing, Martinez’s words resonate as a profound rallying call for all of us. His message is clear: the fight for racial and economic justice is far from over, and in the spirit of Juneteenth, we must stand in solidarity, committed to continuing the battle for a more equitable future.
+ The full statement can be read here.
Related
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Owner of US Guys Processing, Darin Wilbur. Wilbur was found guilty in a criminal case of child endangerment at his business which resulted in a teenager losing his right hand in a meat grinder. He was fined $500 plus costs for the violations. On August 8, 55-year-old...
Summer Storms and Short-Staffing Cause Massive Travel Disruptions
On Monday, storms impacting the East Coast, stretching from Tennessee to New York, led to nearly 9,000 flights being delayed and an additional 1,768 cancellations across the U.S., as reported by FlightAware. A significant portion of these disruptions took place at...
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By now, everyone in the airline industry knows about the "That MF's Not Real" Incident that happened on a 2 July American Airlines flight headed to Orlando from Fort Worth. The Dallas Airport Police have now made public the report filed after the meltdown, revealing...