LA Labor Movement Condemns Recall Efforts, Calls on Statewide Solidarity

Los Angeles County Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO Executive Board Votes to Reject Gubernatorial  Recall Efforts

On Thursday, February 18, 2021, the Executive Board of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO rejected calls for the recall of California’s Governor, voting unanimously to recommend to the California Labor Federation that the California Labor Movement oppose the Gubernatorial recall efforts.

Over the last few months, the recall campaign has been driven by opponents of the California Governor’s efforts to protect vulnerable residents during the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has wreaked havoc on working class communities of color, in particular Black and Brown neighborhoods where so many essential workers reside. Last week, the LA Times reported that the COVID-19 death rate for Latinos is three times that of white people in Los Angeles County. 

The same special interest groups putting profits ahead of people by exposing workers to COVID-19 without proper protections are the same groups funding this recall. This effort has received substantial donations from prominent Republican donors and vocal support from far-right extremists. 

“The attempted recall is another example of corporate interests and far-right groups trying to game the system at the expense of working people. Our efforts should be focused on equitable vaccine distribution, strengthening protections for frontline workers, and economic relief for struggling families. Instead, we have a campaign funded by the ultra wealthy trying to capitalize on the unprecedented pandemic and the heartbreaking pain that working families are enduring. Our resources should be used to guarantee that the lives of our most vulnerable communities are protected. This is why the Executive Board of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor voted overwhelmingly to reject this divisive recall effort and encourage all our Union brothers and sisters throughout our state to do the same.”