Chair of Congress Global Solidarity in the Republic of Ireland Yvonne O'Callaghan said, "The death of George Floyd under the knee of a police officer in Minneapolic has reminded the world once again of the racism deeply embedded in US society. Such racism is further encouraged by the irresponsible actions of President Donald Trump and we condemn his attempts to portray the fight against racism and fascism as terrorism".
ICTU Global Solidarity Officer, David Joyce said "Unions have a key role to play in fighting inequality and state violence and we stand in solidarity with our trade union colleagues in the US Labour movement in their determination to address racism and discrimination, the impacts of which have been acutely exposed by the tragic and disproportionate impacts of the pandemic on people of colour and other groups.
The violence experienced by Black communities in the US is not unique. Black communities face growing inequality everywhere as a result of institutional racism in our workplaces and communities, including in Ireland through such systems as Direct Provision".
Kevin Daly, Chair of the NIC-ICTU Global Solidarity Committee added: "False divisions of labour based on race are an all too familiar tactic used to set worker against worker. Therefore, as Trade Unionists representing members across the island of Ireland, committed to the social, economic and political advancement of all working people regardless of colour or creed, we call on an end state brutality against our African American brothers and sisters, we call on an end to violent attacks on protests born of legitimate grievances created by racist oppression."
Yvonne O'Callaghan concluded "growing economic inequalities in the wake of the pandemic could well spark an increase in racism everywhere. We must all be alert to that threat and stand up to abuse and discrimination wherever it surfaces." In fighting racism we must also ensure that the voices and experience of the people and their communities who are most impacted by these issues are included.
"Only through unity and solidarity can we rid the world of the scourge of racism and build a better future".
