After a discussion Thursday, the National AFL-CIO General Board today released the following statement:
The deadly storming of the U.S. Capitol by a mob looking to overturn the results of a free and fair election, encouraged and inspired by President Donald Trump, was one of the greatest attacks on our democracy in American history. And the fact that trespassers were allowed to roam the halls of Congress without consequence is one of the latest examples of why we must tear down the systems and abiders of white supremacy. Trump is an affront to every union member, and a clear and present danger to our nation and our republic. He should resign or be removed from office at once, whether through impeachment or the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This is not a statement America’s labor movement makes lightly. It is not driven by politics or ideology, but rather by the fundamental belief that the preservation of our democracy is essential—though never guaranteed. Hate and insurrection have no place in America.
On Wednesday, Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor issued a statement condemning the violence:
We witnessed one of the greatest assaults on democracy in the history of our great nation today. Oregon’s unions condemn this violent attack. Make no mistake: this act did not happen casually nor without instruction. For years, President Donald Trump has spewed conspiracies, hate, and outright lies to his supporters and today’s attack in our nation’s capital is the result of his words and actions. Our country is in the grip of a deadly pandemic. We need our government to be able to function without fear of the violence we saw today in Washington D.C. and last month in Salem. There is too much important work to do to deliver much needed relief to working people. This kind of obstructionist violence cannot continue.
President Trainor’s statement was one of many from labor leaders nationwide to condemn the violence, and call for impeachment, resignation, or removal. More statements from labor leaders can be read on the National AFL-CIO’s website.