LOCAL 706 STATEMENT ON DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD
AND SUBSEQUENT PROTESTS

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Sisters, Brothers and Kin,

Local 706 stands in solidarity with the IATSE and the people of Minneapolis as we all grieve yet another senseless, race-based murder in our country. The act itself is an insult to us all.  Hate and violence is in direct opposition to the goals of the Labor Movement: we stand for Respect; Fair & Equal treatment for everyone. Mr. Floyd’s own family is calling for "protest and change", and we support this effort.  We agree that joining together in demonstration shines a light on this injustice. It is our hope that the ongoing dialogue after this tragic event can help bring about the change that is now so desperately needed.

"Darkness cannot drive away darkness; only Light can do that.  Hate cannot drive away hate; only Love can do that."  - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

We do not condone racism – in any form. To the contrary, ‘Diversity’ may be humanity’s greatest asset, so this Union celebrates everything that makes us different and unique: gender, race, age, identity and expression. We welcome all discussions of improvement within our entertainment industry, and strive to lead by example. 

We have educated our Members over the last ten weeks to keep us safe in a global pandemic – as we continue our efforts to get us all back to work safely. As people of good conscience, it is now our duty to educate ourselves as to the issues involved with racial inequality, to become informed and enlightened to other viewpoints from our own. 

"You change the World when you change your mind…" 

Please: Stay Safer At Home. 

Observe the curfews in your community. Take all precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, at home. 

Julie Socash
President   
              
Randy Sayer
Business Representative

The Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild, IATSE Local 706