Union News

Statement on Charlottesville from OPEIU President Richard Lanigan

Our country is still reeling from the shocking events in Charlottesville this weekend. In no uncertain terms, OPEIU strongly condemns the violence and hatred that was displayed by Nazi white nationalists in Charlottesville and the racist rhetoric that has followed.

While we may not share the same political views, all Americans share a desire for freedom, justice and equality. And in these confusing, disheartening times, one thing is clear – now is the time that all good people must act, stand up and speak out against this hatred and bigotry. We must all educate ourselves on the issues and then demand that our elected leaders stand with us against all forms of racism, violence and injustice. Each and every one of us shares this responsibility; we must not and cannot remain silent in the face of hatred.

As part of this responsibility, OPEIU is making a donation to both the NAACP and the Southern Poverty Law Center, two civil rights organizations working to eliminate injustice for all Americans. We hope you’ll join us in supporting these organizations. If you’re able, we encourage you to make a donation. You can donate to the NAACP here, and to the Southern Poverty Law Center here. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a tremendous difference.

Our thoughts are with those who suffered injury in Charlottesville, and of course, to the family of Heather Heyer, who died standing up to hatred. My hope is that her courage and bravery will inspire each of us to stand up, speak out and do our part to further the ideals shared by our organization of freedom, justice and equality.

In solidarity,
Richard Lanigan
President


Print
Categories: OPEIU News
Tags:
Rate this article:
No rating
Contact Us

Nicole Korkolis
Director of Communication,   Education and Research
212-675-3210
nkorkolis@opeiu.org



 

Suzanne Fenech

Communication Specialist
sfenech@opeiu.org

 

 

 

 

 

Kyle Friend

Senior Communication Strategist
kfriend@opeiu.org

 

 

 

 

Videos
 
About Us

​The Office and Professional Employees International Union was chartered in 1945 and​, with more than ​90,000 members, we’re one of the larger unions of the AFL-CIO. OPEIU has locals ​throughout the United States and Canada.

More Information
Contact Us
President's Office 
80 Eighth Avenue
(entrance at 265 West 14th Street)
Suite 201
New York, NY 10011
Phone:  (800) 346-7348 / (212)-675-3210