AFSCME condemns growing anti-Asian racism

WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued the following statement condemning acts of growing anti-Asian racism that have spiked during the coronavirus pandemic:

“AFSCME condemns racism in any form without equivocation and in the strongest possible terms. The growing bigotry and violence targeted at Asian Americans and the AAPI community is unacceptable and must stop. We send our support and well wishes to the families who have been victimized by these heinous acts.

“As we have throughout the course of this pandemic, AFSCME will do everything in our power to make our communities safer, healthier and stronger, and we will not tolerate any attacks or any discrimination against our Asian American friends and family.

“The labor movement has a storied history of standing up and speaking out for civil rights, fair treatment and respect for all. We must now carry that mantle in pursuit of justice for the countless Asian American families who contribute immeasurably to the strength and vitality of our nation. We are in this together.”