CT AFL CIO Advances Racial and Economic Justice

 

Racial and economic justice was a major theme at the Connecticut AFL CIO political convention which focused on the 2024 elections.

Welcoming the delegates at the Omni Hotel in New Haven, Secretary Treasurer Shellye Davis stressed the importance of mobilizing members and community partners for social and economic justice, as well as supporting candidates who advocate for workers rights in the 2024 elections.

The convention hall was attentive during a panel with Rev Scott Marks, director of New Haven Rising and national writer/activist Bill Fletcher Jr. discussing the “Role of Labor in Fighting for Racial and Economic Justice,” moderated by Stuart Beckford , a leader of the Hartford Federation of Teachers.

Each shared the impact of racial discrimination on their lives. Marks' parents moved to New Haven during the Great Migration seeking a better life, but his father had to work three jobs to make ends meet leaving little chance for family life.

Asked by a delegate, “What should labor do now?” Fletcher immediately replied “Get over the fear of talking about race. The system is rigged. Say that.”

“There is looming fascism in the US. We need demands.” added Fletcher offering a

bigger context. Decrying unequal public education, he called for an amendment to the state constitution to change regressive taxes as the way education is funded.

“Talk with people on the verge of being pushed out,” advised Marks calling on the delegates assembled to prioritize “training and organizing.”

Over box lunches Fletcher led a workshop “Can Collective Bargaining be an Instrument in Opposing Racial Injustice?” He challenged those present to think creatively of what kind of contract provisions could overcome such racial inequities as wage differentials, work assignments and hair styling.

The convention passed Resolution 3 “Racial Justice and the Role of the CT AFL CIO: An Injury to One is an Injury to All.” reaffirming commitment to “speak out against any and all forms of racial and social injustice that impact Connecticut's working class,” and supporting the work of the Racial and Economic Justice Committee.

“Racism is designed to separate people so they can't take on the boss.” said one delegate from the floor. “We can't shy away. We have to stand together,” said another. A delegate from AFSCME summed it up, “This is the ultimate solidarity, it is very important.”