WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which represents 1.3 million workers in grocery stores, meatpacking plants, and other essential industries across North America, celebrated Labor Day.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone released the following statement:
“Today, our country marks the most notable holiday celebrating the working people who built this nation and keep it running. Millions of Americans and their families are celebrating Labor Day by enjoying a hard-earned day off with their loved ones and communities. Of course many, including our essential hard-working members, are still at work continuing to keep businesses open and running for those who are celebrating. It serves as an important reminder that this holiday is a direct result of the hard-work and advocacy of America’s labor movement, just like so many of our modern labor protections that are now seen as normal practice, woven into the fabric of our economy – from the eight-hour work day to the weekend to simple standard health and safety protections.
“This year, our labor movement is in the midst of a groundswell of organizing and activism, and it is the members of the UFCW and the workers in the essential industries we represent, who are at the forefront of these fights. Our union is made up of the essential workers who kept the nation running throughout the pandemic. They, in addition to their coworkers and loved ones, experienced the deadly consequences of COVID in the workplace first-hand, which has fueled a renewed fight for each other at the bargaining table and in the workplace to ensure better protections in the future. Alongside them are workers from REI, Trader Joe’s, Half Price Books, and cannabis companies across the nation who are joining together to fight for each other and for a better life for the first time.
“Labor Day celebrates the workers and organizers who changed the entire world for the better, and together we’re carrying on the fight to do the same.”
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The UFCW is the largest private sector union in the United States. UFCW International represents 1.3 million professionals and their families in healthcare, grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops and other industries. Our members serve our communities in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at ufcw.org.