​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 – Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the Filipino Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015, which would honor over 260,000 Filipino veterans with the highest civilian honor for their service in World War II. The bill, which both chambers of Congress have now passed, awaits President Obama’s signature. The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) applauds the congressional vote and celebrates this historic victory to recognize the contributions of the Filipino and Filipino American community. 
 
Johanna Puno Hester, APALA National President, stated: “Our community has been waiting for over seventy years to be recognized for their service. This is a tremendous win to distinguish our community’s bravery and service in history. We are extremely thankful for the leadership of authors Senator Hirono and Representative Gabbard to see this important piece of legislation to fruition.”
 
Gregory A. Cendana, APALA Executive Director, commented: “APALA has a deep history in this fight to get our veterans recognized. Our leaders – many of whom are part of the Filipino American community – have been working alongside the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, which has tirelessly been leading advocacy efforts amongst other Filipino and Filipino American organizations, for almost a decade now.”

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Washington, DC - The presidential candidates met face to face in the last debate in Las Vegas before the November 8 election. The following is a statement issued by the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) in response to last night's debate: 

APALA National President Johanna Puno Hester stated: "Though last night's debate did focus more on important policy issues, one thing remained clear: one candidate had no substantive grasp on the issues or any plans to back up words, while one candidate is prepared to do so. We, at APALA, stand behind candidates up and down the ballot who not only understand the issues important to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community but also stand up for all working families, immigrants, and women."

"I'm glad that the debate included discussion on important issues like immigration and abortion. However, what was lacking was any discussion of how to address police violence in our communities and how their plans would stand with the movement for Black Lives," added APALA Executive Director Gregory A. Cendana. "Communities of color will have a powerful influence on the leadership of this country, and candidates need to include our voices, especially with regards to issues that affect us so close to home."

Hester ended: "We're doing everything we can to stop the threat that is Donald Trump, who has built a campaign spewing the most un-American things of racism, xenophobia, and misogyny. If we elect the GOP candidate on Nov. 8th, the lives of our children and families will indelibly be changed for the worse."

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