Among the many important provisions our resolution attempts to put in place is one that would implement protections for members and staff who speak up for Palestine. Already, we have seen some of our members targeted for their solidarity, among them Kayla H, member of AFSCME Local 2187, Council 47. Here’s what Kayla has to say about why she supports our resolution:
“AFSCME’s leadership is failing to lead, forgetting that they represent both Palestinian and allied members who directly serve Palestinian populations. Many of these workers are being harassed, threatened, and attacked for engaging in vital cultural and educational work—including myself and my colleagues.
As a municipal worker and a librarian, it is my duty to uphold, defend, and promote current, accurate information about Palestine and the unfolding genocide. People across this country cannot ignore Israel’s actions and the devastating impact on all of us, so it’s unconscionable that AFSCME would try to remain uninvested and uninvolved at this crucial moment.”
We stand by Kayla and all of our members who are experiencing these attacks. As Kayla also notes, Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and Black members, especially public facing ones, tend to be targeted for the worst of this harassment. We will not be silenced, and we demand that AFSCME leadership stand beside us in this fight!
