IAM international and local leadership issued the following statements after the recent mass shootings in Atlanta:
“The Machinists Union is outraged and deeply saddened by the senseless murders in Atlanta,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Asian Americans make up a critical, and growing, segment of our union family and our communities. A racially based attack on any of our Brothers and Sisters is an attack on each and every one of us. We are firmly against the surging violence against Asian Americans and any group based on race. Our union and the labor movement will always fight against hate. We stand strong for equality and understanding. The IAM’s profound thoughts and prayers go to the victims’ loved ones and we pledge to fight for a better tomorrow.”
“These women were killed while working low wage, vulnerable jobs while the COVID-19 pandemic continues,” said Georgia AFL-CIO President and IAM member Charlie Flemming. “While the motive for the shootings are still under investigation, one thing is certain: These attacks speak to the systemic impacts of misogyny, racism, and white supremacy targeted at the Asian American community. We stand in solidarity with the families who have had these lives unjustly stolen from them. However, Asian Americans need more than solidarity — they need our support, commitment and real solutions.”