AFL-CIO’s new racial justice task force to be chaired by USW leader

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka announced on July 10 the creation of the AFL-CIO Task Force on Racial Justice, which will be chaired by USW Vice President Fred Redmond, who also oversees the union’s health care sector. Terry Melvin, president of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and secretary-treasurer of the New York State AFL-CIO, will serve as executive director.

Redmond and his fellow task force members are charged with implementing a series of recommendations adopted by the AFL-CIO General Board focused on taking concrete action to address America’s long history of racism and police violence against Black people.

“I am honored that President Trumka has faith in me to lead this pivotal work the labor movement is embarking on,” said Redmond. “I’ve spent my entire life fighting for racial justice in the workplace and throughout our communities. These are challenging times for our country and our labor movement. We cannot afford to be silent. I look forward to working with all the task force members.”

To read more about the task force, click here.