UFCW Praises Harris As National Voice for COVID-19 Hazard Pay, Unbreakable Champion for Millions of American Workers on Frontlines of Pandemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union, which represents 1.3 million workers, announced its support for U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (California) as the running mate for Vice President Joe Biden. From fighting for hazard pay for grocery workers to her championing of the bread and butter issues that matter most to hardworking families, UFCW said that Senator Harris has proven her unbreakable support for all those who work at America’s grocery stores, meatpacking plants, pharmacies, hospitals and other essential businesses on the frontlines of COVID-19.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone released the following statement:
“This historic ticket will bring the real change our country needs. Senator Kamala Harris’ record and actions prove that she is a strong champion for America’s hardworking men and women. During this pandemic, both Vice President Biden and Senator Harris have highlighted the dangers our country’s frontline workers continue to face. Together, they have made clear that our nation’s CEOs and elected leaders must put these workers first by reinstating hazard pay, expanding COVID testing, and strengthening access to the protective gear these brave workers need to do these essential jobs.
“As millions of America’s frontline workers continue to put themselves in harm’s way during this pandemic, Vice President Biden and Senator Harris will bring the strong and moral leadership that our nation desperately needs. Most importantly, they will put politics aside, and will do what is necessary to protect all workers, and rebuild our economy so that every hardworking family has the opportunity to succeed.”
Background:
U.S. Senator Kamala Harris has been a strong partner for UFCW and a champion for its 1.3 million workers in grocery stores, meatpacking plants, and other essential businesses who have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic since day one.
In a recent CNN op-ed, Senator Harris joined UFCW in calling for restoring hazard pay for America’s 3 million grocery workers who continue to put themselves in harm’s way during the pandemic to ensure families have the food they need.
In October 2019, Senator Harris joined UFCW members in Iowa to speak about the challenges facing workers across the country. Senator Harris told UFCW members that she would increase accountability for companies that rely heavily on automation and want to do business with the federal government, pledging that she would hold public hearings outlining the impact of automation on the workforce.
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UFCW International 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 www.ufcw.org.
