Brothers and Sisters,
Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was a fierce supporter of the labor movement. He spoke out in favor of unions and promoted them across the country and industries. He saw how the struggle for workers’ rights is connected to the struggle for racial justice. King’s tragic assassination occurred as he stood in solidarity with AFSCME sanitation workers.
At Local 7, we share the belief with Dr. King that union jobs are a key link to a more prosperous, equitable future for all. That’s why we proudly promote initiatives that expand access to family-sustaining careers in the union building trades. Through programs like Building Pathways, we are working with our Brothers and Sisters in labor to diversify our ranks and lift up families all over the region. As part of that commitment, we also continue to call out racial injustice when we see it. And we remember the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others as we strive for a more fair and just world.
We know there is more work to do. We look forward to partnering with even more stakeholders to expand inclusion in the construction industry and to honor the vision Dr. King put forth – for a world where all workers can experience equity and a better life by exercising their human right to be part of a union.
In Solidarity,
Michael Hess
Business Manager
William P. Hurley
Financial Secretary/Treasurer