BLACK LIVES MATTER

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2020 :: RMTnews 10 R MT has sent solidarity to all people fighting for justice around the world following the brutal police murder by asphyxiation of unarmed black man George Floyd. A joint statement from general secretary Mick Cash and RMT president Michelle Rodgers said that George Floyd’s death was an indictment of entrenched racism within state forces. “Racism has always and continues to inflict injustices on the black communities, not only in the US but also globally and in the UK. “Now is not the time for silence - we must shout our anger in the call for justice. The State must not be a tool for the expression of racism and hatred. “As trade unionists we stand united against state racism. No to silence, no to police brutality and justice for all. Unity is strength,” the statement said. RMT Black and Ethnic Minority Advisory Committee chair Glen Hart said that the death had rightly sent shock waves of revulsion around the world - with rallying cries of; “I Can’t Breathe” and ‘Black Lives Matter’ showing there needs to be a complete overhaul in tackling endemic racism and oppression in society. “An injustice here has seen transport worker Belly Mujinga’s family failed, when the police authorities decided to close the criminal investigation into her case after a spitting offence may have led to her Coronavirus related death. “All of us in RMT send our deepest condolences to both sets of families and everyone who has suffered a consequential loss through either the inaction or injustices meted out by police authorities. “The politicians have failed us all. While we continue to resist a global pandemic, right wing governments and their leaders continue their hostilities on workers and their families. “RMT has a proud history of standing up against systemic racism and prejudices, when protecting all workers. “We will not allow racial injustice to segregate our battle. We say, ‘Black Lives Matter’ because while it should be stating the obvious, it patently isn't. Without justice, there can be no peace,” he said. bame ad UNITY IN DIVERSITY A celebration of black and ethnic minority union members RMT published a pamphlet to mark the 25th anniversary of the union’s black and ethnic minority members’ advisory committee and its annual conference. Available from jwebb@rmt.org.uk BLACK LIVES MATTER