Chauvin Verdict a First Step Toward Racial Justice and Equality

Today, justice was partially served with the conviction of George Floyd's uniformed killer and is a first step toward racial justice and equality in this country. OPEIU expresses condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Floyd, whose life was stolen from him by a police officer enabled by an unjust set of systems and institutions that will continue to claim the lives of our neighbors and loved ones -- until we put a stop to it.

The labor movement is a valuable ally in the multifaceted fight against racism in all of its forms, both in the workplace and in our communities. It's incumbent upon the trade union movement to agitate, educate and organize to eradicate the systems and structures that left George Floyd -- and countless others -- dead at the hands of those whose duty is to serve and protect. Another Black life claimed by police brutality is one too many.