​Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders commemorate progress in workers’ rights through collective action, call for justice for all working people
 
[Washington, DC] – On May 1, in commemoration of May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), AFL-CIO, the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC), and National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), will gather an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) contingent at McPherson Square to demand justice for immigrants, refugees, and Muslims; to protect the right to collectively bargain and organize a union; to fight against mass deportations, a Muslim ban, and the criminalization of people of color; and to defend the Earth and its resources. 
 
Event participants will gather at McPherson Square. A short program will include leaders who will speak on the contributions of AAPI working people and the important role AAPI communities have in fighting for a better world for all working families. At the conclusion of the program, event participants will march together to the White House to join the thousands of working people at the #RiseUP March & Rally to oppose the hateful rhetoric, policies and actions of the current administration.
 
Join APALA, NAPAWF, and NAKASEC to show the world that we will not be afraid to rise in solidarity with working people across the globe! Join us and tell the world that we are #NotYourModelMinority. RSVP before or join us on May 1.
 
WHAT:          May Day/International Workers’ Day AAPI Contingent Meet Up
              
WHO:             The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), AFL-CIO
                        The National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF)          
                        The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC)
 
WHEN:          May 1, 2017, 2:00-3:00PM
 
WHERE:       McPherson Square, 15th St. NW & K St. NW
 
RSVP:             bit.ly/AAPIMayDayRSVP

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​Washington, DC – The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) is outraged by the unnecessary, forcible removal of a passenger on a United Express flight operated by Republic Airways by airport security officers that occurred last Sunday.
 
“Incidents like these are deeply upsetting,” stated Johanna Puno Hester, APALA National President and Assistant Executive Director of the United Domestic Workers, AFSCME Local 3930. “It could have easily been resolved by peaceful means. No one deserves to be treated that way!  It was a needless act of brutality yet again on a person of color."
 
APALA Executive Director Gregory Cendana added: “Resistance to ‘authorities’ of the carceral state does not justify violence against our bodies. This incident is another example in the larger narrative on how people of color are devalued, dehumanized, and criminalized in our society. We demand accountability for the officer’s actions and will continue to put people over profit -- and in this case, the profit of the airline.”
 
"We do not condone the actions of the officer involved. There are tens of thousands of amazing airline employees who provide excellent customer service, and the airline's policy failed them,” continued Hester. “Even after public apologies, airlines should not only reform policies, like the overbooking practice, that can impact their workers’ day to day interactions with passengers, but also represent their dedication to their workers properly throughout these processes.”
 
Cendana concluded: “What is even more disturbing, however, is a growing police state emboldened to use force and violence. Airlines and airports are increasingly becoming places where brown and black communities feel more and more unsafe. We challenge these institutions to proactively address issues of discrimination and racism, and to denounce acts of violence that they may encounter in their workplaces.”

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Washington, DC – The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) issued the following statement from Johanna Puno Hester, APALA National President and Assistant Executive Director of the United Domestic Workers, AFSCME Local 3930, in response to yesterday’s reckless military action in Syria:
 
“This move is utterly disgraceful. Unilaterally launching missiles into Syria without legal authorization by Congress demonstrates that 45 has no respect for the checks and balances of our government. How does bombing Syria yet banning any Syrian refugees from entering the U.S. advance peace and save innocent lives from the horrors of war and violence? APALA continues to stand in resistance against 45 and the administration and denounces the state-sanctioned violence we are witnessing on marginalized communities both here and abroad. We condone neither a fascist regime within the White House nor violence and war now—or ever—and call on Congress to take immediate action to address 45’s latest recklessness.”

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