Resolution in Support of US events recognizing the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racism, March 2021

On Monday, March 8th the Western Mass ALF unanimously passed the following resolution in support of the International Day for the Elimination of Racism.

Resolution in Support of US events recognizing the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racism, March 2021

Whereas, there has been an alarming rise of racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and far right and neo-fascist forces across America, Europe, and around the world; and

Whereas, there has been an alarming rise in racist, xenophobic, homophobic and anti-Semitic hate crimes across the US, attacks by rightwing racist thugs against peaceful anti-racist demonstrators, and a growing number of acts of police and vigilante violence and murders directed at people of color, all culminating in the insurrectionary assault on the nation’s Capitol on January 6th; and

Whereas, there has been increased training and on-line-publicity for rightwing “militia” movements in the U.S., coupled with the rise of far-right neo-fascist gangs, such as the Oath Keepers, Boogaloo Bois, the Proud Boys and various other hate groups; and  

Whereas, the hostile environment created by government scapegoating of migrants and refugees, has provided fuel for the racist far-right to grow even though it’s not migrants and refugees who undermine public services and wages – but rather it is cuts to public services, corporate disinvestment and attacks on labor rights; and

Whereas we believe that we must combat all rightwing and racist attempts to divide and rule working people and the poor; and

Whereas, racism and other forms of bigotry have no place in the workplace or community, and unions must be at the forefront of challenging it; 

Whereas, March 20th will be the U.N. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and will be marked by marches and other actions against the far-right in several major cities across the country and around the world under the theme of World Against Racism;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Western Mass Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO endorses and will support the World Against Racism events and activities to coincide with worldwide events on the annual U.N. Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and will publicize them among its affiliates and their members, and will encourage participation in local activities commemorating the day.