CBTU Joins UFCW in Protecting Union Jobs and Food Access in Communities of Color During Kroger-Albertsons Merger Talks
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, released the following statement in support of the passage of a resolution by the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) calling for Kroger and Albertsons grocery chains to ensure any potential merger ensures the long-term employment, benefits, and bargaining rights for workers; the viability of any resulting grocery store entities; and no increase in the prevalence of food deserts in any community.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone said the following:
“We applaud CBTU’s resolution calling for Kroger and Albertsons to ensure the proposed merger would actually be beneficial to workers, communities, and consumers. For the sake of our essential workforce, food supply, and nation, we must hold these companies accountable and demand they speak to the many concerns of workers and communities of color throughout every step of this process.”
CBTU President Terry Melvin said the following:
“The members of CBTU take solidarity work seriously. So, there was no doubt about passing a resolution unanimously at our convention to support our sisters and brothers who work in the food retail industry who are raising critical concerns about the possible merger of two of the largest supermarket chains in the U.S. In addition to the call we are making on the companies, we also call on the Federal Trade Commission to factor in the issues highlighted in the resolution as the commission considers the merger request. Bigger isn’t better if it’s not right.”
The UFCW has repeatedly called for transparency from Kroger and Albertsons on the proposed merger while engaging independent experts to assess any publicly available information to determine the widespread impact it will have on our members and the communities they serve.
This past April, UFCW delegates at the 9th Regular Convention voted unanimously to declare that mergers pose a serious threat to the livelihoods of UFCW members and that the union must act to confront them, standing united in opposition to the proposed Kroger and Albertsons merger.
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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.
CBTU, which was founded in 1972, is an organization committed to improving economic development and employment opportunities for black workers. CBTU works for the protection of consumers from escalating price increases for the four necessities of life: food, energy, housing and medical care, the areas where inflation hits hardest.