Statement by Rev. Dr. William Barber, president of the NC NAACP, on the union victory at the Smithfield Plant in Tarheel:
There has always
been an intrinsic and inextricable connection between the civil rights
movement and the labor movement. We in the NCNAACP are proud
to have, over the last few years, stood, marched, prayed, and
worked with working people in their fight for a Union at the Smithfield
Plant in Tarheel, North Carolina. These every day hard-working
human beings have tonight culminated years of struggle for simple justice
with a victorious vote to unionize the plant. This is a mighty
move of justice and fairness for everyday workers in North Carolina.
It is a signal
that people with the wind of right behind them can fight and win more
equity in the workplace. This victory says it's not only time
for justice at Smithfield, but also time for North Carolina
to repeal GS 9598 so that public employees can form a union and strengthen
their rights in the workplace.
This is a dramatic
victory for workers, the cause of civil rights, and the future prosperity
of our nation. This victory will help protect workers and
wages at the plant. Furthermore, it represents a significant advance
in bringing more unions into the south.
For years the NAACP has worked
with unions to help secure a better life for all Americans and to advance
the cause of civil rights. This victory is another step forward in
this struggle and we salute everyone who worked to make this day possible.
We especially want to recognize the brave workers who withstood years
of threats and intimidation, yet maintained their dignity and courage, "walking
by faith and not by sight."
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