Head of Clergy Group Pens Letter to Address Claims of Discrimination at IBEW Local 3

New York, NY - In the wake of reports of discrimination at union IBEW Local 3 in New York, Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green, President of Mobilizing Preachers and Communities (MPAC), an organization of over 350 clergy members from across the state, sent a letter to the president of Local 3 requesting a meeting and more transparency about the claims. 

A news report on the allegations was published in New York's Amsterdam News. 

Here is the letter that was submitted.

November 21, 2017

John E. Marchell

158-11 Harry Van Arsdale, Ave

Flushing, New York 11365

Dear. Mr. Marchell:

We are writing today to express our deep concern about reports of racism and discrimination towards black members of IBEW Local 3. As a large and broad New York coalition of multidenominational faith leaders, we believe everyone, regardless of race, deserves a fair shot at success in New York City.

For some time we have been hearing that there is a disparity with the treatment of workers of color in IBEW Local 3 and according to the first-hand accounts reported in the New York Amsterdam News, black union members face a distinct disadvantage. The article explains that while black members are the second largest ethnicity after white members, fewer black union members are hired for supervisory roles and they are subject to a disproportionately large share of layoffs.

This disparity in treatment of black union members points to systematic issues within IBEW Local 3. The impact of this discrimination is far reaching for union members of color and their families. With fewer opportunities for advancement and increased likelihood of losing their job, people of color who are members of IBWE Local 3 face the brunt of the impact of economic downturns. This reverberates throughout our communities and perpetuates decades of racial injustice. It is a cycle that IBEW is either actively encouraging or willingly allowing to happen.

As interfaith clergy leaders of the New York Community, we urge IBEW Local 3 leadership to immediately halt these discriminatory practices and conduct a throughout review. Furthermore, we would like to request a meeting to openly discuss this issue.

Specifically, IBEW Local 3 must come clean about what’s going in the union.

·         How widespread is this discrimination?

·         Who is responsible for allowing this culture of racism to permeate the union?

·         What actions are being taken to hold responsible parties accountable?

·         What is the union doing to eliminate the disparities in opportunity afforded to black members and encourage the equal advancement of all members?

·         Has there been a "third party review" of your workforce development practices?

Across the state, our ministries practice and preach tolerance and acceptance as we work daily to raise up our communities. We strongly oppose discrimination and racial injustices that continue to plague our society. As the leaders of IBEW Local 3, you are responsible for creating a culture of inclusion and provide all of your members an equal opportunity to succeed in the workforce and fulfill the American dream.

We look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely, 

Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green

President, Mobilizing Preachers and Communities (MPAC)

Source: Mercury