(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, February 14, 2022)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The following is a statement from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa and Human Rights and Diversity Commission Director Marcus King on Black History Month and calls for action to protect the rights of workers to vote.
“The labor movement of today was shaped by leaders like Carter G. Woodson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and A. Philip Randolph, who organized the first predominately Black labor union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Randolph’s experience in labor organizing helped push the country towards greater equality and fairness.
“Together with civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., they won landmark victories including the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. These accomplishments continue to inspire generations of labor and civil rights leaders from all backgrounds.
“Today, the labor and civil rights legacy of Randolph and King is under threat from anti-labor and restrictive voting laws around the country. The Teamsters stand ready to fight back against these efforts, which frequently are targeted at working people and, particularly, workers of color.
“For example, by eliminating early and mail-in voting, removing voters from voter rolls, and shortening the times polls remain open, anti-voting lawmakers and their corporate cronies have attempted to eliminate U.S. citizens’ access to the ballot box. But Congress has an opportunity to pass voting rights bills to protect the right to vote.
“To ensure that voting is protected nationwide, federal legislation is a necessity. The For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act would protect the rights of voters and would also grant the federal government oversight of any legislative changes enacted at the state level.
“People deserve the power to vote. Teamsters can do their part by clicking here and making sure they are registered and that their lawmakers support voting rights for all. Together, members can ensure the labor movement continues to be a leader for fairness, equality, and solidarity.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.