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News and Updates
Elections
November 4, 2014
UFCW Members Across the Country Get the Vote Out
Members from UFCW locals across the country have been busy getting the vote out in key battleground states including Michigan, Kentucky, Iowa, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania–as well as others.
November 3, 2014
UFCW Members Sound Off on Why Voting in This Election Is So Important!
We asked UFCW members from all around the country why they took a pledge to vote this November 4th in the mid-term elections. Here’s what some of you said:
“To elect candidates who want to protect the middle class, not destroy it.” –-Andrew Myers; Swanton, Ohio
“Too many people died to give me this right and it dishonors their legacy for me not to vote.” –Ericka Ferrell; Oxon Hill, Maryland
“Because we need to oust these career corrupt politicians who don’t listen to what we want or need!” –Anthony Giordano; Hamden, Connecticut
“I am voting to protect women’s rights, to protect unions, elderly, students, the environment, voters, the economy and all of the 99%.” –Member from Chillicothe, Ohio
“To stop anti-union candidates!” –Andrew Carillo; Denver, Colorado
“I’m voting this year because I want a governor that is not going to decimate the private sector unions by introducing right to work.” –Donovan Jurss, UFCW Local 1473
“To exercise my right to have my opinion heard and get rid of Mitch” –Jeanelle Fuson; Covington, Kentucky
“I vote every year!!! We need keep Democrats in office!!!!” –Karen; Dalton, Georgia
“Because it’s the right thing to do.” –Leinaala Furtado; Santee, California
“Because it is time to get all the officials elected that care about working people.” –Mary Spicher
“For a better future for my children” –Nikki Rich; House Springs, Montana
“To try to move this country forward–we have been at this road block way too long” –Pam; Spring, Texas
“To make America a better place, and to help the American worker any way I can…go union–keep fighting for America…” –Prisco; Guilford, Connecticut
“To keep the super-rich from completely taking over this country.” –Tom; Feasterville, Pennsylvania
“It takes the entire community to make a change. As a society, if we don’t start picking our leaders more carefully, we will never progress past the sorry state we are in.” –Member from Indianapolis, Indiana
“I’m voting to insure a Democratic victory for this country and the people who are pushed aside and ignored. It’s time to push back.”
“Yes I am [voting]–also doing door knocking and phone-banking.”
“I’m voting because my vote might help to make a difference in the middle class and the lower class in reference to jobs, economy and education.”
We couldn’t be more proud of all of our engaged members who will be voting to make a difference in their communities, and standing up for working people! Make sure you cast your vote on November 4th if you haven’t already voted early. You can make sure you have everything you need by heading to our voter information hub!
October 16, 2014
UFCW Releases Online Ads in 4 Key Battleground Elections
WASHINGTON, D.C. —The 1.3 million member United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) today announced an aggressive online advertisement campaign in four key battleground elections.
The ads are running through Election Day in Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
In Iowa, the UFCW launched a video that is a twist on Joni Ernst’s original campaign commercial about castrating hogs. “Don’t let Joni Ernst castrate workers’ rights,” the narrator says. Watch the ad here.
In Kentucky, the UFCW launched a video comparing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to milk that has spoiled. “Mitch McConnell’s been in D.C. since 1984. He’s out of date and out of touch with Kentucky,” the narrator says. They also released a video which calls Mitch McConnell’s 30 years in Washington “long enough.” Watch the ads here and here.
In Michigan, the UFCW launched a video highlighting Governor Rick Snyder’s extreme record. Listing his tax increase on seniors and massive education cuts as examples, the narrator calls Snyder “One Clueless Nerd.” Watch the ad here.
In Wisconsin, the UFCW launched a video criticizing Governor Scott Walker for his failed promise on jobs. “Despite promising 250,000 new jobs, he put Wisconsin dead last in job creation,” the narrator says. Watch the ad here.
UFCW members—some of the youngest in the country—are inspired by online political outreach featuring ads that are cutting edge, creative, and fun.
The UFCW is also sending direct mail into these four states along with putting a large number of members and staff on the ground. The contrast in Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin could not be greater. The UFCW is committed to defeating the enemies of working families and electing candidates that will fight for higher wages, better benefits, and the right to organize.
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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/UFCWinternationaland www.twitter.com/ufcw.
July 15, 2014
“Battleground 2014” Is Underway
UFCW members must be prepared for the November 4thmidterm elections – 2014 cannot be a repeat of 2010. To help make it easier for members to engage politically, we have launched Battleground 2014.
Battleground 2014 provides information about the most important Congressional and Gubernatorial races. UFCW members will be able to use this site to find out more about the candidates and access important voting information and deadlines.
There is a lot at stake on Election Day this year. At the federal level, control of the U.S. Senate is on the line.
Republicans are only six seats away from controlling the Senate and seven of the most vulnerable seats up for election this year are currently held by Democrats. We must work hard to ensure the Senate does not fall into anti-worker hands.
Gubernatorial elections are just as important. Governors from Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, all of which spent the last four years attacking workers, are now up for reelection. They need to be shown that when you hurt workers, you lose elections.
Please share Battleground 2014 with your membership. Workers who are more informed about politics are more likely to vote and make a difference.
March 26, 2014
UFCW Local 480 Endorses Abercrombie for Governor of Hawaii
UFCW Local 480 has endorsed Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie in his bid for re-election.
Local 480 President Pat Loo said that Governor Abercrombie has helped Hawaii turn the corner since taking office in 2010 by creating jobs and reducing unemployment.
Governor Abercrombie appreciated the support and said he looks forward to continue working with UFCW 480 to help build opportunities for the working class.
UFCW Local 480 represents 4,500 workers in Hawaii’s grocery, retail, food processing and meatpacking industries.
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.
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
March 26, 2013
Iowa UFCW Locals Endorse Braley for Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Locals 222, 230, 431, 440 and 1149 of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) today announced their endorsement of Congressman Bruce Braley for the U.S. Senate.
“We are proud to endorse Bruce Braley for Senate,” the locals said. “He is a ferocious champion of working families and the middle class. His experience growing up in Brooklyn as the son of a grain elevator operator and a teacher helped shape his passion for economic justice.”
In the House of Representatives, Braley has proven himself as a tough and smart leader. He has fought to ensure equal pay for equal work, strengthen the right to organize, and reform America’s broken immigration system.
“Bruce has been a rising star from day one—and the people of Iowa have benefitted,” the locals said. “He never forgets where he came from or who he represents.”
Braley is running to replace Senator Tom Harkin who is retiring after five outstanding terms of service. As Chairman of the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee, Harkin has put the needs of workers front and center. “Tom Harkin never stopped fighting for us,” the locals said. “We can think of no one better to follow in his footsteps than Bruce Braley.”
“We look forward to doing everything we can to help make Bruce our next U.S. Senator,” the locals said.
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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.