Statement by International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
General President Kenneth Rigmaiden on White Supremacist Actions in Charlottesville, VA
Hanover, MD – We cannot allow the tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend to render us speechless or powerless. We send our thoughts and prayers to the families of Heather Heyer, a labor activist, and all those injured by the hate-driven domestic terrorist attack this Saturday. We, as a labor movement, must use our collective voice to put an end to such hateful actions and be a part of the solution.
IUPAT members, organizers and leaders across the country have made concerted efforts to reconnect with our neighbors in our communities. We must continue to do the same in our union halls so that we may work with our neighbors in solidarity for civil justice with one voice.
There is much to be discussed and acted upon in the coming days, weeks and months, and we must remain resolute in meeting the challenges ahead of us. I am calling on my fellow labor leaders to do the same. It is time to act.
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The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades represents men and women in the United States and Canada who work in the Finishing Trades – commercial and industrial painting, drywall finishing, glazing and glass work, sign and display and floor covering installation, among other crafts. Learn more about the IUPAT at www.IUPAT.org and follow us on Twitter @GoIUPAT.