Official Statement of Teamsters Local 1035 on Hartford Distributors Tragedy

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is the official statement from Chris Roos, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 1035 in South Windsor, Conn. in regard to the tragic deaths of nine people at Hartford Distributors today.

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"On behalf of Teamsters Local 1035 I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of all the victims of today's tragedy at Hartford Distributors.

"We have lost friends and family as a result of today's incident and we must work together to help each other through this difficult time.

"Omar Thornton was a member of Teamsters Local 1035 and worked at Hartford Distributors as a driver. Thornton was scheduled to meet with the company with his union representatives this morning at 7:30 a.m. to discuss matters that could have affected his continued employment with the company. Bryan Cirigliano, President of Teamsters Local 1035 was in attendance at this meeting as Thornton's union representative. It is our understanding that it was at this time Thornton allegedly shot and killed Cirigliano, a company representative and six of our members at the facility. All of these people were at work just trying to do their jobs.

"During the time that Thornton was represented by Local 1035, he reported no concerns about racial discrimination to the union, despite some media reports suggesting that he had complained about such concerns. We take the representation of all of our members very seriously. In every unit that we represent, we strive to ensure that all workers are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their individual backgrounds.

"We grieve with all of the families that are touched by this terrible tragedy."

SOURCE Teamsters Local 1035