Statement from Tricia Schroeder, SEIU 925 President:
Our Somali neighbors, friends, family, and colleagues are currently facing increased hateful, racist rhetoric from extremist politicians and online trolls. In these latest targeted attacks, Somali workers face baseless claims of fraud and attempts to post their personal information like address and other contact details. At SEIU 925, we are proud to represent hundreds of Somali working families and reject any and all attempts to divide workers and spread hate and discrimination.
Somali union members have made our labor movement stronger, helping to win historic contracts for child care providers and higher education workers. They are valued community members, small business owners, public service workers, and union leaders.
If any Somali community members are experiencing harassment or discrimination, the state Attorney General has a non-emergency hotline to report hate crimes and bias: call 1-855-225-1010 or go to https://www.atg.wa.gov/report-hate. Access to interpretation in over 240 languages is available, as are trauma-informed operators from 9am to 5pm Pacific time, Monday-Friday.
Diversity is our strength, and our union is a better place because it represents all people. We are stronger together and stand in solidarity with the Somali community.