UAW 4121

Taking Action Against Racist Policing

Over the past week, 4121 members have been joining thousands of others in Seattle and around the world to take action against racist and anti-Black policing. Yesterday, we joined an estimated 10,000 people on the streets of Seattle for the sixth straight day of demonstrations. And in Tacoma, hundreds gathered in memory of Manuel Ellis, a Black Tacoma man who was murdered by police in early March.

This powerful and ongoing action of thousands is beginning to make an impact in the Puget Sound. For instance, after incredible community pressure and action, yesterday the Seattle City Attorney rescinded the consent decree motion, AND the Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan cancelled the previously-imposed curfew. This movement is the direct result of all of our community’s action — but there’s much more to be done, so it’s critical we keep up the momentum.

In conjunction with our union’s initial call for expanded use of our collective bargaining power to refuse to enforce in racist, classist, policies and practices regarding policing, members are now developing specific demands aimed at building long-lasting work to defund police and instead invest in community-based safety and wellness, both on campus and in the broader community. To get involved with this and much more, email anti-discrimination@uaw4121.org!

These conversations are and must be ongoing, and members are encouraged to join next week’s membership meeting to continue strategizing our collective work. In the meantime, please check out the non-comprehensive actions and resources below, and take a few moments to add your name to this set of critical petitions: 

PETITIONS — ADD YOUR NAME TODAY!

UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIONS

More resources and information are available on our website

Membership Meeting Thursday June 11

Our next membership meeting will be Thursday 6/11 from 5-6pm, and will be conducted via Zoom. More details about how you can join the Zoom meeting will follow in next week’s email.  The proposed agenda for the meeting is as follows:

  • Approve Agenda
  • Approve Minutes
  • Organizing Against Racist & Anti-Black Policing
  • International Solidarity Working Group 
  • Appointment Extensions 
  • Membership Organizing 
  • Political Working Group 
  • Adjourn

Any member who would like to propose additional agenda items or submit materials for the meeting is welcome to email uaw4121@uaw4121.org by 5pm on Wednesday, June 10. All members in good standing are encouraged to attend, and anyone who is not yet a member can sign up here beforehand.

Organizing Trainings

The last of our Spring organizing training series is coming up next Thursday! Join fellow 4121 members across UW for a series of organizing trainings to learn more about what we can each do to help build our collective power. Learn more about the session and RSVP here.

Session 3: Power Analysis, Thursday, 6/11, 12-1:30. This session explores the nature and sources of our power as a union, and how we can leverage that power in order to push for change. This session is intended for people who have at least some previous experience with 1-to-1 organizing.

Tax Amazon 

The Amazon Tax Prime petition signature drive is expanding, with delivery locations in Districts 1-6. Activities will include both no/low contact door-to-door deliveries, and socially distanced tabling. There’s still a lot to do, but we have a strong movement. 

How you can help: Join the delivery location closest to your home. Wear a mask and gloves if you have them. If not, they will be provided at the delivery location. Picking up materials, delivering petitions and tabling will all be carried out while carefully following professional public health and safety advice. Get details and RSVP here!

Materials pick-up starts at noon on both days:

  • SATURDAY LOCATIONS:
    • District 1: Hiawatha Community Center 
    • District 2: Rainier Playfield (Alaska & 38th Ave S)
    • District 3: Cal Anderson Park (Olive & 11th)
    • District 4: University Heights Center
    • District 5: Greenwood Park (8905 Fremont Ave N)
  • SUNDAY LOCATIONS:
    • District 2: Rainier Playfield (Alaska & 38th Ave S)
    • District 3: Cal Anderson Park (Olive & 11th)
    • District 4: University Heights Center
    • District 6: Ballard Commons Park

In Solidarity,

UAW Local 4121 Joint Council

Douglas Avella-Castro
Leandro Casiraghi
Amanda Clouser
Monica Cortés Viharo
Meg Drouhard
Max Friedfeld
Vern Harner
Dan Hart
Sam Kastner
Kyle Kubler
Kristin McCowan
Emily Myers
Anzela Niraula
Jacob O’Connor
Elena Pandres
Nayon Park
Marissa Parker
David Parsons
Shua Sanchez
Paige Sechrest
Solmaz Shakerifard
Sam Sumpter
Judy Twedt
Jon Witt