SEIU Local 1 President Tom Balanoff Responds to Murder of George Floyd

CHICAGO – The following is a statement from SEIU Local 1 President Tom Balanoff:

“In unprecedented times, we find ourselves once again heartbroken and enraged by an all-too familiar scene: a black man murdered by police officers, all caught on tape. George Floyd’s murder is an injustice that only deepens the gulf of distrust many communities of color feel towards law enforcement.

“As a union that unites 50,000 working people across racial lines and different backgrounds, Local 1 members recognize that no one lives a single-issue life. Local 1 will continue to work to dismantle racism inherent in our society and advocate for dignity both in and out of the workplace. Racism manifests on the job and in our neighborhoods; if we want to build a better, safer and more inclusive future, it is the responsibility of organized labor to address both.

“The loss of George Floyd is a tragedy for his loved ones, his Minneapolis community and our country as a whole. Any labor organization guided by the principles of trade unionism – collectivism, unity and solidarity- is obligated to speak out on this injustice and support the communities that need it most.”