Our Statement on the Rise in Anti-Asian Violence and Hate

Our Union stands in solidarity with members of the Asian-American Pacific Islander community in the ongoing fight against white supremacy to win justice and respect for everyone who lives and works in our country. We all have the right to live without fear--but after the horrific mass shooting of Asian-American women in Atlanta on March 16, it should be clear that people of color in this country are suffering. And words are not enough.

We know that our nation has a deep history of exploitation and discrimination against people of color, and racially-motivated attacks against Asian-American people has been on the rise over the last year. It’s more important than ever that we stand united as workers--Asian, Black, white, Latinx, and Indigenous--to condemn racism and create a just society where all people can live and work safely.

To Asian-American members of SEIU Local 49: know that your Union stands with you. We’re committed to working to make our communities and workplaces safer, stronger, and free of hate.

Resources

We will continue to work in solidarity with Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) and our Union leadership encourages those who are called to act today to become a member or make a contribution.APANO is also working to stand up against racially motivated hate and has asked that people report hate crimes as part of the Portland United Against Hate coalition and has resources on their web site.Organizations:Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO)Asian Pacific American Labor AlliancePortland United Against Hate - Community resources, links to counseling, and moreStop AAPI HateInformation:Read: APANO responds to shooting tragedy in Atlanta metro areaRead: The long, ugly history of anti-Asian racism and violence in the U.S. (Washington Post)Watch: Break The Cycle: A Conversation About the Rise of Anti-APIA Racist ViolenceEmotional and mental health:Asian Health and Service Center - Provides a safe and culturally sensitive place for Asians who seek mental health care. Accepts Oregon Health Plan.Lines for Life: Racial Equity Support Line - Led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. Offers support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues. Call 503-575-3764.