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News and Updates
Issues
December 11, 2013
Demand Investigation of Anti-Worker Group ALEC
The American Legislative Exchange Council, commonly referred to as ALEC, has been active behind the scenes in politics for decades. It is where corporations and state politicians come together to write laws that benefit special interests. These so-called “model bills” reach into almost every area of American life. ALEC has been behind efforts to strip workers’ rights, voting rights, and civil rights.
ALEC has come under scrutiny surrounding its practices in recent years. Last week, The Guardian published several internal documents which showed ALEC has seen sharp declines in both membership and corporate funding.
One of the major controversies surrounding ALEC is their tax-exempt status. ALEC’s primary purpose is to influence legislation at the state level, yet for years it has claimed in tax returns that it does not spend a single penny on lobbying. There are now three pending citizens’ complaints against ALEC and its 501c3 tax-exempt designation. In its series, The Guardian reported that ALEC has created a separate non-profit group called the “Jeffersonian Project,” raising even more red flags.
Now is the time to get involved. Please sign the petition calling for an investigation of ALEC in light of the documents revealed by The Guardian.
An organization described by former ALEC member and current Congressman Mark Pocan as a dating service for legislators and special interests should not receive special tax treatment.
Sign the petition calling for an investigation of ALEC today.
November 21, 2013
Dear Congress, Do Your Job
Esther Lopez delivering turkey and merlot to Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy’s office.
This morning, immigrant farmworkers, labor leaders, and immigration advocates went to the U.S. Capitol so that members of the House could see firsthand how hard immigrants in this country work.
Advocates delivered turkey and merlot processed by immigrant workers along with fact sheets to Speaker John Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, Congressman Steve King, and other key House Republicans.
The purpose of the event was to remind House leaders who’s working hard for America while they take more days off.
This year Congress has taken 198 days off. They will only work 8 more days in 2013. Yet House Republican leaders claim they do not have enough time to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
They owe it to the American people to do their job.
Esther Lopez outside Speaker Boehner’s locked door.
Members of Congress should be working as hard as the rest of us. Each day that comprehensive immigration reform is delayed is another day where millions of immigrant workers have to suffer through stolen wages, unsafe working conditions, and unjust threats of deportation.
The immigration system in America is broken. The time to fix it is now.
Speaker Boehner isn’t just ignoring comprehensive immigration reform. He’s ignoring people who try to visit his office.
UFCW International Vice President Esther Lopez, Director of the Civil Rights and Community Action Department, attempted to deliver a UFCW-made turkey to the Speaker, but his staff locked the door. In response, Lopez said, “We are not asking Congress to move the sun or the moon. We are just asking them to do their jobs.”
“At the UFCW, our members work hard – often in difficult conditions – to provide excellent products to customers and communities,” Lopez added. “UFCW members are doing their jobs. It is time for Congress to do the same and give us a vote on comprehensive immigration reform.”
November 14, 2013
UFCW President Hansen Statement on Speaker Boehner’s Comments on Immigration
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joe Hansen, International President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), today released the following statement in response to Speaker John Boehner’s comments about comprehensive immigration reform.
“I am deeply disappointed that Speaker Boehner has resorted to excuse making instead of moving comprehensive immigration reform to the House floor. The Senate, the President, the public, and a majority of the House of Representatives all support legislation to keep families together, protect the rights of immigrants, and create a path to citizenship for aspiring Americans. But Speaker Boehner and his deputies are refusing to allow a vote, claiming there is not enough time to schedule one. This is absurd on its face. The Speaker should schedule a vote now on H.R. 15 or similar bipartisan legislation to fix our broken immigration system. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. It is time for Republican leaders to let the House work its will on this critically important issue.”
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The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) represents more than 1.3 million workers, primarily in the retail and meatpacking, food processing and poultry industries. The UFCW protects the rights of workers and strengthens America’s middle class by fighting for health care reform, living wages, retirement security, safe working conditions and the right to unionize so that working men and women and their families can realize the American Dream. For more information about the UFCW’s effort to protect workers’ rights and strengthen America’s middle class, visit www.ufcw.org, or join our online community at www.facebook.com/UFCWinternational and www.twitter.com/ufcw.
November 7, 2013
UFCW President Hansen Statement on Senate Passage of ENDA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joe Hansen, International President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), today released the following statement after the Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which would prohibit workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
“I applaud the Senate on its bipartisan support for ENDA. No one should be fired just for being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. It goes against everything we stand for as Americans. At the UFCW, we have been proud to win strong non-discrimination language in our contracts. But in more than half of all states, a worker can be fired solely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is wrong. Workers should be judged on their ability to do the job, not where they are from, what they look like, what language they speak, or who they love. Today the Senate has taken an important step toward protecting America’s workers from discrimination. I urge the House to do the same.”
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November 7, 2013
UFCW President Hansen Statement on Senate Passage of ENDA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joe Hansen, International President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), today released the following statement after the Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which would prohibit workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
“I applaud the Senate on its bipartisan support for ENDA. No one should be fired just for being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. It goes against everything we stand for as Americans. At the UFCW, we have been proud to win strong non-discrimination language in our contracts. But in more than half of all states, a worker can be fired solely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is wrong. Workers should be judged on their ability to do the job, not where they are from, what they look like, what language they speak, or who they love. Today the Senate has taken an important step toward protecting America’s workers from discrimination. I urge the House to do the same.”
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The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) represents more than 1.3 million workers, primarily in the retail and meatpacking, food processing and poultry industries. The UFCW protects the rights of workers and strengthens America’s middle class by fighting for health care reform, living wages, retirement security, safe working conditions and the right to unionize so that working men and women and their families can realize the American Dream. For more information about the UFCW’s effort to protect workers’ rights and strengthen America’s middle class, visit www.ufcw.org, or join our online community at www.facebook.com/UFCWinternational and www.twitter.com/ufcw.
November 6, 2013
Election Day Recap
Did you vote yesterday? Despite 2013 being considered an “off-year” election, the day was full of races and referendums that mattered to UFCW members and their families. Here is the UFCW Election Day recap:
In a big win for working families, New Jersey voters decisively approved a referendum raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.25 and tying it to inflation. This will give 429,000 New Jersey workers a long overdue pay raise and help lift wages across the state. Raising the minimum wage will also give consumers more money to spend on goods and services, resulting in a nice boost for New Jersey’s economy.
Bill de Blasio was elected mayor of New York City. He is widely seen as someone who will be a progressive leader, which is welcome news for working families in the Big Apple. His campaign focused on inequality – pledging to enact policies that will help poor and working class New Yorkers who feel increasingly left behind. de Blasio believes labor unions are a guarantor of economic security and has pledged to improve city schools and expand affordable housing.
In Virginia, Terry McAuliffe was elected Governor. Throughout his campaign he was a major supporter of working families. He is focused on working across the aisle to build an economy that allows more workers to obtain jobs with good pay and benefits.
Governor Elect Terry McAuliffe with Local 400 member Mary Taylor.
Every election and every vote matters. From making phone calls about candidates to helping their friends and family register to vote, UFCW members worked hard in all of these races.
363 days until Election Day, 2014. If you would like to get more involved in politics contact your local union. It’s fun, memorable, and most importantly you’ll be making a positive difference in your community.
October 24, 2013
UFCW Endorses Anesa Kajtazovic in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District
Iowa—The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) today endorsed State Representative Anesa Kajtazovic for the open seat in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District.
“We are endorsing Representative Kajtazovic because she understands better than anyone the concerns of Iowa’s working families,” UFCW Locals 431 and 1149 said. “She shares the experience of arriving to Iowa as an immigrant with many of our members. She has seen our struggles firsthand and will fight every day to give all Iowans the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”
In 2010, at age 24, Kajtazovic became the youngest woman ever elected to the Iowa legislature. Her fresh perspective and strong working class values have led to progress on issues that are meaningful to UFCW members. Throughout her two terms in the Iowa House, she has been a strong proponent of good jobs, affordable health care, and quality education.
Kajtazovic is well suited to carry on Congressman Bruce Braley’s legacy as a champion of workers’ rights. She quickly learned about the importance of a union contract when her mother was injured on the job and denied the opportunity to see the physician of her choice. She is also the first and only candidate in the race who has visited the UFCW-represented Tyson plant in Waterloo.
“We know she will fight for us because she is one of us,” the locals said.
UFCW Locals 431 and 1149 represent over 2,500 workers in the 1st Congressional District.
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The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) represents more than 1.3 million workers, primarily in the retail and meatpacking, food processing and poultry industries. The UFCW protects the rights of workers and strengthens America’s middle class by fighting for health care reform, living wages, retirement security, safe working conditions and the right to unionize so that working men and women and their families can realize the American Dream. For more information about the UFCW’s effort to protect workers’ rights and strengthen America’s middle class, visit www.ufcw.org or join our online community at www.facebook.com/ufcwinternational and http://twitter.com/UFCW.
October 22, 2013
UFCW Endorses Staci Appel in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District
Iowa—The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) today endorsed State Senator Staci Appel in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District.
“Senator Appel’s record and her values align perfectly with the needs of the 3rd Congressional District,” UFCW Locals 1149, 230, 431, and 293 said. “She has worked hard to strengthen voting rights, ensure equal pay for equal work, and make college more affordable.”
During her four years in the state Senate, Appel fought for and passed landmark legislation making quality preschool programs available to every Iowa family. She also backed legislation to implement same day voter registration. She is running against Congressman Tom Latham in a district President Obama carried by four points in 2012.
“Tom Latham has been part of the least productive House of Representatives in history,” the locals concluded. “Not only did he shut down the government, he has attacked the social safety net, tried to destroy unions, and has done nothing to create jobs. Iowa deserves better.”
UFCW Locals 1149, 230, 431, and 293 represent nearly 1,000 workers in the 3rd Congressional District.
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The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) represents more than 1.3 million workers, primarily in the retail and meatpacking, food processing and poultry industries. The UFCW protects the rights of workers and strengthens America’s middle class by fighting for health care reform, living wages, retirement security, safe working conditions and the right to unionize so that working men and women and their families can realize the American Dream. For more information about the UFCW’s effort to protect workers’ rights and strengthen America’s middle class, visit www.ufcw.org or join our online community at www.facebook.com/ufcwinternational and http://twitter.com/UFCW.
October 8, 2013
UFCW Activists Arrested at Massive Immigration March
The four UFCW activists arrested yesterday.
Washington, DC—Four United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) activists were among those arrested today outside the U.S. Capitol while protesting the failure of House Republican leaders to pass comprehensive immigration reform with a path to citizenship. The march, which included tens of thousands of people from across the country, followed over 180 similar actions in 40 states this weekend.
“Today we sent a message to House Republicans loud and clear,” UFCW President Joe Hansen said. “First and foremost, open this government. Secondly, once it is open, give us a vote on comprehensive immigration reform with a path to citizenship.”
In an op-ed in the Huffington Post last week, Hansen laid out the case for reform. “We want to give aspiring citizens an opportunity to achieve the American Dream,” he said. “We want full rights and protections for immigrant workers. We want fairness and justice. We want an immigration policy that reflects our values. Speaker Boehner, we want a vote.”
The UFCW activists who were arrested spoke about the power of civil disobedience and the importance of standing together for comprehensive immigration reform.
Efrain Aguilera of UFCW Local 5 in San Jose, CA said: “I’m a Hispanic born in Michoacán, Mexico who came to this country legally but without knowing a word of English. The immigrant community has to struggle to find work and when it does, they face humiliation because of being undocumented and live in fear of being deported and separated from their families. Getting arrested for civil disobedience is the least I can do to support this great cause. We need comprehensive immigration reform now so that more than 11 million undocumented immigrants can get out of the shadows, work legally, pay taxes and stop being treated like second class citizens.”
Rigo Valdez of UFCW Local 770 in Los Angeles, CA said: “I was arrested today to stand up for the workers who cannot stand up for themselves. In twenty years of organizing, I have witnessed exploitation of workers because of their immigration status. We can no longer allow the abuse of any workers in our country, and must fight and demand that all of us are treated with dignity and according to our rights. Comprehensive immigration reform is not only morally right, but necessary to guarantee the long term economic and social health of our nation. If our lawmakers will not act, then we will.”
Celestino Rivera of UFCW Local 540 in Dallas, TX said: “I was arrested today because I stand with America’s meatpacking and food processing workers to demand that Congress fix our broken immigration system. I have witnessed the price of keeping working families in the shadows. All workers should be able to exercise their fundamental rights on the job, regardless of immigration status. Now is the time for reform that preserves and protects these rights.”
Idalid Guerrero of UFCW Local 540 in Dallas, TX said: “I came to Washington today as both a worker and a mother. I know firsthand that women bear a huge burden because of our broken immigration system. We deserve reform that is humane and just and keeps families together. I was arrested in solidarity with all immigrant women who are calling on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform now.”
Efrain Aguilera and Rigo Valdez being arrested in front of U.S. Capitol
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The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) represents more than 1.3 million workers, primarily in the retail and meatpacking, food processing and poultry industries. The UFCW protects the rights of workers and strengthens America’s middle class by fighting for health care reform, living wages, retirement security, safe working conditions and the right to unionize so that working men and women and their families can realize the American Dream. For more information about the UFCW’s effort to protect workers’ rights and strengthen America’s middle class, visit www.ufcw.org, or join our online community at www.facebook.com/UFCWinternational and www.twitter.com/ufcw.
September 23, 2013
UFCW Locals Across Ohio Endorse FitzGerald for Governor
Ohio—United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals 75, 1059, and 17A, along with members of the UFCW Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) Council and International Chemical Workers Union (ICWU) Council, today endorsed Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald for Governor and several other strong candidates for statewide office. These UFCW locals and councils represent over 45,000 workers across Ohio.
“The current leadership in Columbus has failed Ohio’s working families,” the locals said. “Their vision for our state was SB 5–an extreme, unsafe, and unfair law which would have destroyed the freedom of workers to stick together in the workplace. Ohio voters rightly and overwhelmingly repealed SB 5. Now we must remove the politicians who tried to force it upon us.”
“We are extremely confident that Ed FitzGerald is the person to get Ohio back on the right track,” the locals added. “He understands that Ohio workers are sick and tired of their leaders putting profits over people. He wants to make Ohio a leader in attracting employers that pay a living wage and offer good benefits. And he will always protect workers’ fundamental right to form a union.”
In addition to FitzGerald, the UFCW locals endorsed the following candidates:
David Pepper for Attorney General: Pepper has the experience we need in our top law enforcement officer. As Hamilton County Commissioner his efforts have helped prevent crime and improve public safety.
Nina Turner for Secretary of State: Senator Turner is driven by the belief that voting in Ohio should be more expansive, modern and convenient. She will roll back Secretary of State Jon Husted’s troubling tide of measures which restricted the right to vote.
Connie Pillich for Treasurer: Representative Pillich understands that in order for Ohio to compete now and in the future, we must invest in health care and education. As Treasurer, she will make sure our budget is never balanced on the backs of children, seniors, workers, or veterans.
John Patrick Carney for Auditor: Representative Carney is the right choice for Auditor because he will fight for a more open and transparent state government that people can see and trust to spend their hard earned tax dollars effectively.
“All of these candidates share our concerns and care about making life better for workers and their families,” the locals said. “This is the team of leaders that Ohio’s working families deserve to have in Columbus. We are proud to give them all our full support.”
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The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) represents more than 1.3 million workers, primarily in the retail and meatpacking, food processing and poultry industries. The UFCW protects the rights of workers and strengthens America’s middle class by fighting for health care reform, living wages, retirement security, safe working conditions and the right to unionize so that working men and women and their families can realize the American Dream. For more information about the UFCW’s effort to protect workers’ rights and strengthen America’s middle class, visit www.ufcw.org or join our online community at www.facebook.com/ufcwinternational and http://twitter.com/UFCW