Racism Has No Place In The Los Angeles Labor Movement

The Leadership Of Teamsters Local 396 Condemns The Racism Expressed By Los Angeles City Leaders And Demands The Resignation Of Councilmembers Nury Martinez, Kevin De León, Gil Cedillo, And Los Angeles County Federation Of Labor President Ron Herrera

The leadership of Teamsters Local 396 strongly believes that racism and bigotry in any form must always be called out, confronted, and condemned in any place it is found. This is particularly true in the House of Labor, where we take great pride in our diversity, inclusiveness, and tolerance.

We are profoundly disturbed and angered by statements disparaging African Americans and Indigenous People made by Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez during a conversation involving City Councilmen Gil Cedillo and Kevin DeLeon and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera.

Real action must be taken to confront these acts of racism. With that goal in mind, Teamsters Local 396 believes it’s in the best interest of the Los Angeles Labor Community that Council Members Nury Martinez, Kevin DeLeon, and Gil Cedillo, as well as Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera, submit their resignations effective immediately.

Our trust in these leaders has been irretrievably broken. It is time to start the healing process, and that cannot commence until new leadership is installed at the LA Fed and the LA City Council.