On June 28, the UFCW highlighted its continued call for action on racial justice with a full-page advertisement in The New York Times, as millions of Americans continue to speak out following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many more across the country.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone released the following statement:
“As millions of Americans speak out against the cruel injustice of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many more across the country, it is time for our leaders to act.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to take its toll on frontline workers in grocery stores, meatpacking plants, and many other essential businesses, we must recognize that these jobs are disproportionately held by workers of color and it is these communities who are being hit hardest by the virus. Now more than ever, our country’s elected leaders and companies must take action to not only protect these workers on the job, but ensure that all American workers are safe in their communities.”
The New York Times advertisement can be viewed here, and the text is included below.
On May 25, a Minneapolis police
officer kept his knee on George
Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and
46 seconds – or 526 seconds.
Among Mr. Floyd’s last tragic words
were “I can’t breathe.”
If we are to have any hope of changing
this nation, and of preventing such
senseless and unjust killings, we must
never forget George Floyd.
We must also never forget the names
of Eric Garner, Samuel DuBose, Michael
Brown, Breonna Taylor and so many
more African American men and
women who have needlessly lost
their lives to those who have been
sworn to protect us.
All Americans who truly love this country
and believe that Black lives matter
must come together to demand real
and lasting change.
On behalf of our entire union family,
we are committed to fighting for this
change and urge all others in positions
of power and influence — regardless of
title or party — to do the same.
Enough is enough.
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