Solidarity

Organisers of the Strike For Black Lives said tens of thousands of Americans walked out of work in more than two dozen cities at noon on Monday, to protest against systemic racism and economic inequality. Specifically, they are calling on corporate leaders and elected officials to use executive and legislative power to guarantee people of all races can thrive. That demand includes raising wages and allowing workers to unionise to negotiate better healthcare, sick leave and childcare support.

Labour unions and social and racial justice organizations from New York to Los Angeles took part. Where work stoppages were not possible for a full day, participants were planning to either picket during a lunch break or observe moments of silence to honour black lives lost to police violence, organisers said.

Ash-Lee Henderson, an organiser with the Movement for Black Lives, told the Associated Press, “The Strike for Black Lives is a moment of reckoning for corporations that have long ignored the concerns of their black workforce and denied them better working conditions, living wages and healthcare.”

 Among the strikers were essential workers including nursing home employees, janitors and delivery men and women. Fast food, ride-share and airport workers also took part. Strikers are demanding sweeping action by corporations and government to confront systemic racism and economic inequality that limits mobility and career advancement for many black and Hispanic workers, who make up a disproportionate number of those earning less than a living wage.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/20/strike-for-black-lives-thousands-racial-inequality