Dear LCLAA members and allies,
As we wrap up 2021 and reflect on the year behind us, we LCLAA members have so much to be proud of as activists and supporters of the Latino labor movement. Back in January, when many of us were yet to be vaccinated, few of us could imagine what we would accomplish in this year of rebuilding and recovering.
We started out the year by standing in solidarity with poultry workers in Gainesville, GA, when they suffered an unthinkable tragedy at their workplace that led to the death of six workers and the injury of ten others. Through our support of the accident’s victims, we showed undocumented workers everywhere that their plight is seen and their rights matter.
In the spring, many of our chapters led inspiring campaigns to inform Latino working families about the benefits and safety of the Covid-19 vaccine. Their efforts, which continued throughout the summer, have helped countless workers regain a sense of normality and stay safe in the face of this deadly virus.
By August, LCLAA members were ready to attend our 23rd National Membership Convention in person, marking the first such event our organization has held nationally since the beginning of the pandemic. The Convention gave us a critical opportunity to reaffirm our commitments to working class and Latino-friendly policies. It also allowed us to take into account the impact of the pandemic and prioritize an equitable recovery.
And this fall, we kept the momentum going by advocating for a path to citizenship for undocumented workers and supporting our brothers and sisters on picket lines across the country!
As we celebrate our accomplishments in 2021 however, we must never forget todos los hermanos y las hermanas that we lost this year to the continuing pandemic, to workplace accidents and to other tragedies. In particular, I would like to take a moment to remember the six workers who died in the Gainesville Poultry factory accident in January [workers names, if public]. I also want to remember AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, who was dear to so many of us in the labor movement, and who’s legacy of support for Latino workers will never be forgotten.
I want to thank all of you, our members and our allies, for your unwavering support of our work and principles. This organization would simply not exist without the dedication of our-rank-and-file members and our dedicated leaders. As we approach our 50th Anniversary, I encourage you to build on the momentum of this year by attending a chapter meeting or event, joining an action in our new newsletter, El Avance, or helping start a chapter near you if there is not already one. And be sure to stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to help grow our movement!
In solidarity,
President Yanira Merino
