Working people are diverse. We are different colors, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations and ages. The labor movement has been at the forefront of the struggle for every major civil rights law. We stand strong today in the fight for dignity, life and liberty for every worker at the intersection of economic justice and civil rights. 

America’s legacy of racism, exclusion and injustice continues to obstruct working people’s efforts to act together to build better lives. Since its inception, the labor movement has aspired to include all working people, irrespective of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. Unions must mobilize to defeat the prejudices that undermine solidarity.

Segregation, inequality and oppression harm us all. The AFL-CIO remains dedicated to demanding dignity for all working people.

The AFL-CIO Race Commission has put together a collection of activities, suggested readings and videos to spur a discussion about workers' lived experiences, how to identify and discuss the way racial bias operates in everyday life, and ways to disrupt these patterns to build a more inclusive, equitable society. Check out the full toolkit and report.