Manufacturers Call for Change in Response to George Floyd Protests
Manufacturing leaders across the country are responding to the nationwide protests spurred by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
“We absolutely stand hand in hand with all those who seek respect, fairness and the right to equality of opportunity that America has promised for centuries and that, even now, has not been delivered to all her citizens,” NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons said in a statement.
Together, we stand against injustice and strive for unity and equality.
Read a message from our CEO at https://t.co/Aa7lc3zbQD. pic.twitter.com/zKBPfuMou0
— Trane Technologies (@Trane_Tech) June 1, 2020
Our CEO Ken Frazier calls for unity on @CNBC: https://t.co/jrxmaWVO5y pic.twitter.com/GHqrU5FmvP
— Merck (@Merck) June 2, 2020
Building a better future means joining together as we move forward. We are donating to @100blackmen as a part of the effort to end systemic racism and bring true equality to all. This is just a first step. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/QqwYseKjAS
— Coca-Cola (@CocaCola) June 3, 2020
Manufacturers across industries and regions are joining in the call for justice—and demanding respect and equality for all people.
Over the last few months, which were arguably some of the toughest in our company’s 120+ year history, I’ve seen #TeamDow ‘find a way’ to join together and help overcome great challenges.
Our response to issues of racism, inequities and injustice should be no different.
— Jim Fitterling (@JimFitterling) May 31, 2020
In our country, our community, and our company, we have work to do – together. One conversation at a time. One action at a time.
Here’s what CEO David Taylor shared with the P&G Family: https://t.co/FXWF0B2qEs pic.twitter.com/BG5O8OQQHX
— Procter & Gamble (@ProcterGamble) June 1, 2020
In an email shared with all bp employees, our CEO Bernard Looney addressed racial injustice & reinforced bp’s commitment to being a diverse, inclusive & respectful workplace
— bp (@bp_plc) June 1, 2020
Companies are also making financial commitments to support inclusivity efforts, as well as supporting businesses that were damaged or looted during the unrest.
Standing on the sidelines is not an option. Today we are pledging $1 million in support of efforts to address social injustice and anti-racism. #blacklivesmatter https://t.co/wCGNIkkdVU
— Intel (@intel) June 1, 2020
At J&J, we believe racism in any form is unacceptable. Black Lives Matter.
Johnson & Johnson is committing $10 million to fight racism & injustice in America—a pledge that will span the next three years. Learn more from Alex Gorsky, Chairman & CEO, #JNJ: https://t.co/7Ur6bXRe8u pic.twitter.com/Rd8HzAllAD
— Johnson & Johnson (@JNJNews) June 2, 2020
UnitedHealth Group said it would donate $10 million to help businesses in the Twin Cities rebuild and create an educational trust fund for Floyd’s children.
Our hearts are heavy with the tragic death of George Floyd. We’re doing our part to help create a more equitable society by establishing an educational trust for his children, donating $10M to help Twin Cities businesses rebuild and advance equity & inclusivity efforts.
— UnitedHealth Group (@UnitedHealthGrp) June 2, 2020
“This is not a time to sit back and wait for action from others,” Timmons said. “The manufacturing community, and the larger business community—made up of people from every background, every race, every state and every neighborhood in the country—has a responsibility that is as urgent now as at any time when our nation seemed on the edge of destruction. We must be part of the solution—to end the polarization and division that routinely manifests in our country.”