June 9, 2020

Thomson Reuters to Support Rebuilding Efforts in Minneapolis and St. Paul

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, June 9, 2020 – Thomson Reuters today announced a series of measures to lend its professional expertise and resources, and to encourage employee volunteerism, to help rebuild local neighborhoods and support those affected by events surrounding the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis-St. Paul. These commitments include:

  • The company has doubled the number of paid hours off under its volunteer policy in 2020, creating a potential for more than 90,000 hours of volunteer work within the Twin Cities. This is in addition to the 20 hours of paid time Thomson Reuters attorneys are given annually for pro bono legal work.
  • Thomson Reuters will contribute funds to sponsor a research fellow at the Minnesota Justice Research Center. This individual will lead research initiatives and analysis in support of education and policy development aimed at creating a more effective, humane and equitable justice system.
  • The company is working with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives in support of their mission to ensure equity in the administration of justice.  

In total, Thomson Reuters will commit $1 million of financial support on top of the company’s volunteer and pro bono legal support within the local community. The funds will be directed toward helping the community meet immediate basic needs, rebuilding efforts and to non-profit and civic organizations promoting justice and transparency.  

“These are difficult days, and we have a long road ahead of us to help heal our community. We are proud to contribute our time, expertise and financial support to combating racism, fighting social injustice and strengthening public trust in our institutions,” said Sharon Sayles Belton, vice president of Partnerships & Alliances at Thomson Reuters. “As a business our work supports the ideals of justice and transparency and we know it’s often the people on the ground who can make the biggest difference. We are proud to build on a long legacy of volunteering, investment and partnership in the Twin Cities.

“Our communities are hurting, and people are looking for answers and lasting change. It will take all of us working together to raise our voices against racism, inequality and injustice,” said Belton.

In a recent open letter to employees, Thomson Reuters President and CEO Steve Hasker added: “I’ve lived and worked in the U.S. for 25 years and the words to describe my reaction are disbelief and sadness. The underlying issues are so entrenched that far too little progress has been made. That the latest tragedy took place in Minneapolis — where so many of our colleagues live and work — brings the issue home. Colleagues and business leaders — regardless of their politics or background — have expressed their desire that we find a way to be a positive force. We are an organization that understands the power of diversity and inclusion, and we must do more because if purpose-driven organizations like ours do not act in times like these, then we are part of the problem. I am resolved that our company will be part of the solution.”

Thomson Reuters roots in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area date back to 1872. It is the company’s largest employee site, with nearly 6,000 employees based at its office in Eagan, Minnesota.

Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is a leading provider of business information services. Our products include highly specialized information-enabled software and tools for legal, tax, accounting and compliance professionals combined with the world’s most global news service – Reuters. For more information on Thomson Reuters, visit tr.com and for the latest world news, reuters.com.

CONTACT

Scott Augustin
Senior Director
+1.651.848.5793
scott.augustin@tr.com

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