STATEMENT: Union Veterans Council on George Floyd and National Protests
The Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO mourns the tragic and unnecessary death of George Floyd. As an organization that represents those who served our country, we are heartbroken that George Floyd died at the hands of the very police that took an oath to protect him. George Floyd shouldn’t be a symbol, but he is. His death reflects a grim reality that racism and injustice exist in American institutions, from schools to workplaces to businesses to the sidewalk where he walked.
Civic duty and service are qualities that unite UVC members. Our members volunteered for the military and dedicated themselves to advancing American values of freedom, equality, and opportunity -- a commitment that transitioned with them to the civilian workforce.
But, as the world watches, it’s clear that our country has fallen short. We must do better to live the values we claim to represent. It’s not enough to say the words; we must listen when our communities cry out for change.
When leaders mock people using their constitutional rights to use their individual platform to bring attention to this very injustice and then cheer on groups that happily fly the American flag alongside the confederate and Nazi flag, we have a crisis of self.
The UVC recommits itself to that work today and tomorrow and we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all who fight for the American values we claim to stand for. We are resolved to not allow this to become just a moment and not allow the voice of the many to be drowned out by the few.
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The Union Veterans Council brings working-class veterans together to speak out on the issues that impact us most, especially the need for good jobs and a strong, fully funded and staffed VA. Additionally, we hold private enterprise and elected officials accountable for their words and actions. We believe wholeheartedly that the ability for someone to self-identify as “pro-veteran” isn’t determined by what lapel pin they don or what catchphrase they employ; veterans face real issues that require real actions—constructive actions that lead to positive solutions. At the Union Veterans Council, we fight every day for those who have fought for us.
