Big Labor Donates to SPLC Following Charlottesville

By Ted Goodman

August 22, 2017

Some of the nation’s largest labor unions have pledged to fight hate and violence in response to the events of Charlottesville, Virginia, last weekend.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees announced contributions to the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League. Following President Donald Trump’s response to the violence, numerous business leaders and union leaders left the president’s manufacturing council citing concerns with Trump’s initial statement.

Groups also used the opportunity to support liberal causes and nonprofits.

“Now is a moment for all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance, and inclusion to stand up and speak out,” AFSCME president Lee Saunders and secretary-treasurer Elissa McBride said in a statement shortly after the events in Charlottesville that left three dead and scores injured. The group also announced its support for the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League.

AFSCME, which represents 1.6 million current and retired public service employees, was not the only group to come out against Charlottesville.

“The [United Auto Workers] condemns the hate and intolerance of the alt-right groups that led to such violence in Charlottesville,” United Auto Workers President Dennis Williams said in statement Aug. 15. “Every woman and every man is equal in their civil and workplace rights regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation in society and in the workplace.”

Teachers unions also voiced their opposition following the events in Charlottesville, including Chicago teachers.

“Our position remains unchanged: The Chicago Teachers Union condemns any hate action and speech based on race, religion, citizenry, gender, and gender identification,” the union said in a letter. “We embrace dialogue and debate in our union, but we will never waver when it comes to fighting racism. To sit idly by and do nothing would make us just as guilty as those we condemn.”

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten also denounced Trump’s initial response, calling on him to call out racism by name.