WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), the union for 1.3 million essential food and retail workers — including more than 400,000 workers of color, applauded President Biden’s action to make Juneteenth a federal holiday which marks the anniversary of June, 19, 1865 when slavery was officially ended in the United States.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone released the following statement:
“President Biden has made history by making Juneteenth a federal holiday, sending a powerful message as millions of Americans commemorate the anniversary of the end of slavery and recognize the injustice that still plagues the lives of so many Africans Americans and people of color across our country today.
“In the past year, we have not only seen this cruel injustice of racism in the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many more across the country, but we also see an economic system where large multi-billion corporations continue to exploit African American workers.
“It is long past time for our country to embrace real and substantive change. We cannot afford to ignore a justice system that is not equal, and we must not accept an economic system where large corporations ignore how their policies and actions negatively impact African American workers.
“Our diverse union family is committed to fighting for real change and an America where all African Americans – and people of color – are able to live a better and more just life. As the union for workers of color across the country, UFCW is proud to stand with President Biden and all of our country’s leaders speaking out and working to achieve a more just economy where every American has the opportunity to succeed.”
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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.