In response to President Obama’s announcement supporting Ban the Box and other measures that simplify the job hunt for the formerly incarcerated, President Trumka released the following statement:
Today President Obama affirmed what the labor movement knows to be true: a mistake from the past should not become a life sentence to joblessness. Unfortunately, too many hardworking and highly qualified men and women are finding their path to success blocked by a system that is rigged against them.
Measures such as Ban the Box are the right approach to ease the job hunt for working people with prior convictions. President Obama is taking important steps to help all people get back to work and become contributing members of their local communities. The AFL-CIO remains committed to pursuing criminal justice reform through pushing for an end to the private prison system and advocating for the restoration of voting rights for returning citizens, among other issues.
Contact: Charity Jackson (202) 637-5018