Top 10 Examples of Racism in History of the American Labor Movement

by Kody Fairfield

Since the beginning of the Labor Movement in the United States, it has always been plagued by racial prejudices. So much so that AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka has said,” We as a movement have not always done our best to support our brothers and sisters of color who face challenges both on and off the job—challenges that you don’t really understand unless you live them. The test of our movement’s commitment to our legacy is not whether we post Dr. King’s picture in our union halls, it is do we take up his fight when the going gets tough, when the fight gets real against the evils that still exist today.”

Here is a list of just 10 ways the Labor Movement in the US has proven to be racially inclined throughout its history.

1. Current Numerous Complaints Of Racism or Racial Discrimination

Since 2000, there have been over 4,248 complaints filed against unions to the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC), for racism or discrimination. This is according to a website called UnionFacts.com, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fights for transparency and accountability in America’s labor movement. A surprising number given that the unions are so avid in their claimed attempts to make the workplace more equal and fair for all races.