WFSE Calls for Action to Curb Growing Violence Towards Asian Americans

The WFSE executive committee released the statement below regarding the shootings in Atlanta and the increase in anti-Asian racism across our country. WFSE leadership stands in solidarity with our Asian and Pacific Islander union siblings and their communities who are angry and grieving as a result of these despicable actions. 

For Immediate Release
March 19, 2021

Washington Federation of State Employees Calls for Action to Curb Growing Violence Towards Asian Americans

Olympia, Wash.—The Washington Federation of State Employees (AFSCME Council 28) Executive Committee released the following statement calling for action to curb growing violence towards Asian Americans.

“The Washington Federation of State Employees is disgusted by the gruesome murder of workers in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday evening, the majority of whom were Asian women. We send our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and to the many communities facing trauma as a result of these heinous acts. 
“We call on elected leaders and officials to join us in denouncing the growing anti-Asian sentiment plaguing our nation.
“What happened in Atlanta is part of a growing trend of violent attacks targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. These hate crimes coincide with the rise in hateful and divisive rhetoric coming from extremists in positions of power.
“The attempted normalization of violence, hate speech, misogyny, and racism must stop now.
“Our union of nearly 47 thousand Washington workers finds strength in our diversity, and we urge all of our members to call out hate whenever they see it.”

 WFSE E-Cmte See the Washington State Labor Council's statement and additional resources here:https://www.thestand.org/2021/03/labor-condemns-atlanta-shootings-racism/