“Our members are the backbone of their communities and the engine of our economy, and we are proud to stand with them not only on Labor Day, but every day.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which represents 1.2 million essential workers in grocery, meatpacking, food processing, retail, and other essential industries, released the following statement ahead of Labor Day.
UFCW International President Milton Jones released the following statement:
“Every Labor Day, we honor the millions of workers who keep our country running, including 1.2 million UFCW members who keep this country strong by providing the food, products, and services that working families depend on. Our members are the backbone of their communities and the engine of our economy, and we are proud to stand with them not only on Labor Day, but every day.
“But on this Labor Day, as we celebrate the contributions of America’s workers, we must also face the hard truth that many of their rights and protections are under attack. From corporations driving down wages and safety standards to political leaders slashing resources and protections for working families, workers are being asked to shoulder more while getting less in return.
“This is why unions remain critical. With a union, workers can fight for stronger safety standards to protect them from extreme heat and other dangers on the job. They can win fair wages and regular raises that keep pace with the rising cost of living. And they can demand safe staffing levels that protect both workers and the communities they serve as the food supply chain begins to feel the impact of the administration’s immigration policies.
“Unions give workers a voice on the job at a time when they are increasingly being silenced. On this Labor Day, the UFCW calls on our elected leaders to not only recognize the essential role of workers in our economy, but to stand with us in protecting and strengthening the rights of every working family in this country.”
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The UFCW International is the largest private sector union in the United States, representing 1.2 million workers and their families in grocery, meatpacking, food processing, health care, cannabis, retail, and other essential industries. UFCW members serve our communities in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at ufcw.org.