Washington, D.C.—Today, as the country prepares to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., Day on January 17, the UFCW is calling on Congress to restore and expand voting rights to honor Dr. King’s legacy.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone issued the following statement:
“The UFCW is calling on Congress to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by taking immediate action to pass the Freedom to Vote Act (S. 2747) and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4 / S. 4).
“These bills are critical steps to ensuring that eligible voters across the country have their voices heard and will offset years of decisions and efforts by state and local politicians to prevent millions of Americans from voting. Ensuring the right to vote is the key to making progress on all the other pressing policy issues facing our country, including affordable health care, fair labor laws, and safer workplaces.
“It would be a fitting tribute to Dr. King this year if our country and those who lead us could begin moving beyond divisions, and towards an America that is defined by justice, dignity, and respect by protecting and strengthening the right to vote.”
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The UFCW is the largest private sector union in the United States, representing 1.3 million professionals and their families in grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops and other industries. Our members help put food on our nation’s tables and serve customers in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at www.ufcw.org.