CONGRATS TO AFGE FOR ITS CIVIL RIGHTS PASSION

The media carried a story today about how an AFGE rep from the TSA went to see a Georgia Congressman about issues important to his members and the Congressman’s constituents.  As the AFGE rep was waiting to be seen he noticed an open book displayed in the Congressman’s waiting room that was opened to a page referring to African-Americans in the most vile and racist way.

We have long known of AFGE’s commitment to civil rights. AFGE does not merely deal with civil rights problems as they come up for members as if it was no more important than any other collective bargaining issue. It puts its money where its mouth it, which to be honest is the real litmus test of a union’s commitment to something.  It has full-time nationally elected officer positions that deal exclusively with immediate civil rights issues and the tougher long-term cultural biases that are so pervasive.  Moreover, if you look over its LM-2 report you will find that AFGE donates thousands each year to other organizations on the front line of the civil rights battles. To name a few—

  • A PHILIP RANDOLPH INSTITUTE
  • BNAI ZION FOUNDATION, INC
  • CAPITAL PRIDE ALLIANCE INC
  • NATIONAL COALITION ON BLACK CIVIC PARTICIPATION
  • SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER

On top of that its top national officer positions have long been filled by a diverse group.

Getting back to this AFGE TSA rep and the racial ignorant Republican Congressman from Georgia, the union immediately scolded the Congressman and demanded he take the offensive material down.  As too often happens, the Congressman blamed his staff for the blunder and took no responsibility personally. But this is yet another baby step on the path.

About AdminUN

FEDSMILL staff has over 40 years of federal sector labor relations experience on the union as well as management side of the table and even some time as a neutral.
This entry was posted in AFGE and tagged . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.