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Black Female Protesting, Speaking into a Megaphone
Press Statement September 15, 2023

NAACP Stands in Solidarity with UAW Amidst Massive Strike

Black Female Protesting, Speaking into a Megaphone

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 15, 2023

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org 

WASHINGTON – Earlier today, the United Auto Workers (UAW) went on strike, stopping work at three major Detroit automakers (General Motors, Ford, & Stellantis) after their contract negotiation deadline passed without an agreement. The strike comes as thousands of workers across industries are actively engaged in the continued fight for equity and fairness within the workplace. NAACP President and CEO released the following statement in support of UAW and the broader labor movement: 

"Today, the NAACP proudly stands with the 13,000 UAW members who have called on their employers to put people over profit and pay them the fair wages they deserve. Let's be clear - the workers rights and civil rights movement are one and the same. We will not stop fighting until every hard working American is provided with the opportunity to thrive. The NAACP is committed to supporting our labor leaders and workers as they fight for the future. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with."

The UAW strike takes place following the NAACP's Labor Action Week and days after NAACP leaders marched with SAG-AFTRA union members in their strike against unfair wages. 

For more information about our inclusive economy work, visit our website.

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ABOUT NAACP

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation's first civil and human rights law organization and shares our commitment to equal rights.