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.
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The New Safety Shoes at United Are Already Preventing InjuriesSafety Works18 February 2022In a report to Congress, a major airline found that a surprising 76% of injuries involving a vehicle resulted in foot injuries and these injuries are expensive. If the financial...
New Contract Ratified at Hawaiian Airlines
[supsystic-social-sharing id='4']New Contract Ratified at Hawaiian AirlinesSisters and Brothers, Yesterday, the more than 2,500 Machinists and Aerospace Union sisters and brothers at Hawaiian Airlines said "Yes" to contracts that locks in five years of compounding...
Machinists Join Coalition to Combat Air Rage
IAM and Other Transportation Unions Raise Concerns About Assault on Airline Workers Transportation Newswire14 February 2022 The IAM joined other transportation unions in raising urgent concerns regarding assaults against passenger service agents working across...