UP's Fritz calls for action on racial injustice

Union Pacific Corp. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Lance Fritz earlier this week posted on the railroad's website a statement about the recent racial injustice events that spurred protests throughout the nation over the past week.

Fritz began by noting that UP employees formed the Black Employee Network 40 years ago to help company leadership understand and respond to the company's African American employees.

However, having a commitment to diversity is not enough, he wrote.

"We now need to add our voice to those speaking up and speaking out," Fritz said. "The racial injustice within our country saddens and sickens me as an American, a father and a business leader."

Fritz cited the cases of George Floyd and other people of color who've died at the hands of police, or who've faced accusations or suspicion by others due to skin color. 

"It is incredibly sad that the accused must defend themselves with video posts of the incident to ensure the facts are reported," Fritz wrote. "The assaults and accusations should never occur in the first place. This behavior is not acceptable in America, and not acceptable at Union Pacific Railroad."

The Class I has zero tolerance for harassment of any kind, he said. Respect and inclusion of culturally different people is ethical and "just plain good business," he added.

"Union Pacific took action 40 years ago to better understand and promote diversity," Fritz wrote. "Forty years is too long to still be having this conversation. We will intensify our efforts to listen and learn from those suffering racial injustice and bias; and we will continue to lean into our communities, lending a hand and getting engaged. This is on all of us — see something, say something, do something."

To read Fritz's full statement, click on this link.