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.
Related News
New Jersey Rep. Gottheimer Affirms Support for PSP Extension
“We’re With You. We Were There Early, We Cannot Walk Away Now. I’ll continue to fight.”New Jersey State Council of Machinists President Ines Garcia-Keim, District 141 Legislative Director Dave Roderick and Communications Representative Dave Lehive joined 40 union...
IAMAW 141 Video Report: Mike Bucci, President of East Boston Local 1726
Mike Bucci, President of Local 1726 in East Boston Local Lodge President with the attitude of a Shop Steward and Organizer. My name is Michael Bucci, President of Local 1726 located in East Boston, Massachusetts. I began to work for the airlines in December 1991, as a...
IAMAW 141 Video Report: Bill Gula, President of Newark’s Local 914
Bill Gula, Local President and Activist Brother Bill Gula began his career in 1996, as a Ramp Services Agent at Continental Airlines. Bill split his time between working on the ramp and later took on additional responsibilities as a Load Planner. He worked as a Hub...
Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the Machinists Union
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
New Jersey Rep. Gottheimer Affirms Support for PSP Extension
“We’re With You. We Were There Early, We Cannot Walk Away Now. I’ll continue to fight.”New Jersey State Council of Machinists President Ines Garcia-Keim, District 141 Legislative Director Dave Roderick and Communications Representative Dave Lehive joined 40 union...
IAMAW 141 Video Report: Mike Bucci, President of East Boston Local 1726
Mike Bucci, President of Local 1726 in East Boston Local Lodge President with the attitude of a Shop Steward and Organizer. My name is Michael Bucci, President of Local 1726 located in East Boston, Massachusetts. I began to work for the airlines in December 1991, as a...
IAMAW 141 Video Report: Bill Gula, President of Newark’s Local 914
Bill Gula, Local President and Activist Brother Bill Gula began his career in 1996, as a Ramp Services Agent at Continental Airlines. Bill split his time between working on the ramp and later took on additional responsibilities as a Load Planner. He worked as a Hub...