Help Wash. State Labor Council combat the forces of racism

As Race and Labor workshops continue, sign up to become a trainer

(May 4, 2022) — The Constitution of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO charges the organization to “combat resolutely the forces that seek to undermine the democratic institutions of our nation and to enslave the human soul.” Its preamble calls on the WSLC to “strive always to win full respect for the dignity of the human individual whom our unions serve.”

Institutional racism and systemic policies that disadvantage Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are such forces. That’s why the WSLC has prioritized fighting for racial and economic justice. As part of that effort, the WSLC has been hosting its groundbreaking Race & Labor workshops for as many affiliated unions, labor leaders and rank-and-file members as possible.

To scale this work and meet the growing demand, the WSLC is also recruiting interested folks who have been through the training to become certified trainers in the curriculum. The council is recruiting trainers from across Washington and a variety of backgrounds, centering people most impacted, and ensuring geographic diversity.

JOIN US! Complete this short form and we’ll get you connected. This survey is hosted by the WSLC and its affiliated unions, worker centers and constituency groups. Personal information will not be shared with institutions outside of the AFL-CIO. Register online at www.bit.ly/WSLCTrainer. and we’ll let you know when the next WSLC Race & Labor Certification Cohort will meet.

COMING RACE & LABOR WORKSHOPS

The Kitsap County and Olympic Labor Councils and multiple unions will host “Courageous Conversations on Race and the Labor Movement” in-person in Silverdale or Port Angeles or via Zoom starting at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 19. Get details and register.

Thurston-Lewis-Mason and Twin Harbors County Labor Councils will host “Bridging the Divide: Tools for Building Labor Solidarity,” a Race and Labor Workshop, starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 4. Get details and register.

Also, mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 17 when the WSLC will host an Immigrant Worker Summit with plenary sessions and workshops connecting immigration and racial justice. It will be held in-person (COVID-permitting) in Mount Vernon, Wash. and a location TBA.

Learn more about the WSLC’s Race and Labor work here.