Physically distant, socially conscious: International Vice President
Bobby Olvera. Jr. addresses the International Executive Board which was held via
Zoom on June 18th. The Board unanimously passed a Statement of Policy on Racism
that condemns racism, police brutality and the targeting of African-Americans.
With the Covid-19 pandemic raging in the United States, the ILWU International Executive Board met June 18th via video conferencing. Instead of presenting their reports on the video call, Executive Board, members submitted their reports two weeks beforehand. Board members read the reports ahead of the meeting and came prepared with questions.
“We’ve had to make some adjustments to ensure the health and safety of the Executive Board but the International officers, IEB and staff continue to do the work of the union during this crisis,” said ILWU International President Willie Adams.
Statement of Policy on racism
In the wake of the brutal murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, the Executive Board unanimously passed a Statement of Policy on Racism. The statement affirmed that the International Executive Board is “emphatically and unequivocally against racism, including police terror, brutality, and the unfair targeting of African Americans.” The policy encourages ILWU members to reach out to local, state and national organizations that are fighting racism in their communities. The full text of the Statement of Policy is below:
STATEMENT OF POLICY ON RACISM
The horrific image of George Floyd being murdered by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on his neck for eight minutes and forty-six seconds graphically symbolizes the oppression African Americans have experienced in North America since they first arrived on slave ships.
The United States’ ideal of equality for all stands in sharp contrast with the shameful manner in which the nation has treated its African American citizens, Latinos, Native Americans, and other minorities. This racism is deeply ingrained in every fabric of our society—unequal educational opportunities, police intimidation, employment discrimination, disproportionate incarceration rates, housing, racial profiling, a cash bail system that discriminates against people of color, access to financial capital, and a criminal justice system that routinely dehumanizes people of color.
The widespread availability of technology to record incidents of overt racism, such as police harassment and violence, and share them over social media has laid bare how the persistent disease of racism has plagued the black community in particular—when it comes to unequal treatment of black Americans by police. Brother Floyd’s tragic murder, along with those of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery among others, have created the opportunity to have the very hard discussions about racism at the national, state, local, and individual levels.
Unfortunately, we cannot expect any leadership out of the White House as Trump barricades himself in and threatens to use the military to quell peaceful demonstrations. These discussions must go on without the White House involvement. This is an opportunity that must not be wasted as we, as a society, cannot permit yet another racist murder. The ILWU has a proud and storied history of standing up for civil rights and opposing racism.
Today, the International Executive Board of the ILWU reaffirms that legacy as we stand up emphatically and unequivocally against racism, including police terror, brutality, and the unfair targeting of African Americans. Our motto “an injury to one is an injury to all,” speaks of our principles of solidarity and support to workers and community members in need. Under that banner, we stand with our communities in support of an end to police brutality and harassment because we understand that “black lives matter.”
Additionally, we strongly encourage all ILWU members to reach out to local, state, and national community groups addressing racism in all its ugly forms. We will be putting together a website listing several such organizations. Finally, our condolences go out to the family and friends of Brother Floyd and other brothers and sisters who have been subject to violent racist attacks.