RI AFL-CIO to support commonsense gun legislation

Providence, RI - The last few days have once again reminded us of the terrible effect of gun violence plaguing our country. Nineteen children and 2 teachers were murdered in Uvalde, TX, while anguished parents helplessly waited outside of the school building while the shooting was taking place. Only days earlier, a racist gunman shot and killed 10 people and wounded 4 workers while they shopped and worked at a supermarket in Buffalo, NY. Our hearts are broken, once again, by these senseless acts of utter cruelty.

Enough is enough. As a labor movement, as workers, as parents, and as men and women of good conscience, we must act.  Therefore, the Rhode Island AFL-CIO has made the decision to support 3 pieces of legislation currently pending in the General Assembly.

An act limiting magazine capacity to 10 rounds. 

(Senate Bill No. 2653  House Bill No. 6614)

An act regulating assault weapons. 

(Senate Bill No. 2224 House Bill No. 6615)

An act raising the age to buy guns to 21.

(Senate Bill No. 2637 House Bill No. 7457)

George Nee, President of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO said: “These measures will not heal the fractures in our hearts caused by more tragedies involving guns in this country, but it is a start.  We have long advocated for workplace safety, for the simple right to go to work with the simple expectation of being able to get home safely.”

Patrick Crowley, Secretary-Treasurer of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO said: “Ending the scourge of gun violence is a labor issue, and as the voice for working men and women in Rhode Island, we must speak as loud as possible when our brothers and sisters, and the children in their care or the people that they serve, are taken from us by preventable violence.”

The Rhode Island AFL-CIO came to this decision after speaking directly with the leaders of our largest affiliate unions and polling the members of the Federation’s executive board. Therefore, we urge the General Assembly act, and call on Governor McKee to sign, these commonsense measures.