UAW Stands with Alex Pretti's Family, Defends Constitutional Rights

UAW Expresses Solidarity Following Tragic Loss of Union Member

The United Auto Workers (UAW) has extended its support and sympathies to the family and loved ones of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital and a member of AFGE Local 3669, who was tragically killed. Pretti was an active union member, involved in actions for solidarity and exercising his Constitutional rights, which ultimately led to his untimely death on the streets of Minneapolis.

“The UAW stands in solidarity with the family and loved ones of our fallen union brother Alex Pretti and all those standing up for justice in Minneapolis and beyond,” the statement read. The union emphasized its commitment to supporting the rights of its members and the importance of Constitutional freedoms such as free speech and the right to protest, which are considered fundamental in both American and union values.

The incident involving Alex Pretti has sparked a strong response from the labor movement, with unions in Minnesota organizing actions such as a general strike on January 23 to voice their opposition against the threats to peaceful protesters. These actions underline the labor movement's stance on protecting the right to protest and ensuring that the freedoms of union members are maintained.

The UAW's statement also underscored a broader concern: “If the right to protest or speak freely is under attack, then our rights as workers are not safe. Our freedom to strike, or to walk a picket line to win a better life, may be threatened next.” The union called for continued vigilance and action to safeguard these crucial rights.