America’s Largest Food and Retail Union for 1.3 Million Workers Applauds House Passage and Urges Swift Senate Vote on Bill that Supports Essential Workers on COVID Frontlines
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), the union for over 1.3 million essential workers in grocery, meatpacking, retail, healthcare, and other frontline industries, applauded House passage of the Build Back Better Act and is urging the Senate to quickly pass the bill and send it to President Biden’s desk for his signature to help deliver this historic investment in American workers and families.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone released the following Statement:
“Today’s House passage of the Build Back Better Act sends a clear message that Congress is stepping up to invest in America’s essential workers and their families. Frontline workers in grocery stores and meatpacking plants have faced some of the highest COVID risks throughout the pandemic as they stepped up to keep our food supply chain strong when we needed it most. The passage of this bill honors the incredible sacrifices and service of these workers and their families.
“I commend Speaker Pelosi for her steadfast leadership and all the members of the House who voted for working people today. With action to make child care more affordable, provide paid family leave, support union organizing, expand health coverage, and increase access to education and training for good jobs, the Build Back Better Act is putting money back in the pockets of hardworking Americans and finally making sure that corporations pay their fair share.
“America’s middle class was built by unions and the hardworking men and women who have been keeping our country strong throughout the pandemic. On behalf of the essential workers UFCW represents, I urge Leader Schumer and the Senate to quickly pass the Build Back Better Act to invest in American workers and families as our economy continues to recover. The Senate must act now so that millions of workers and families can get the critical support they need.”
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UFCW is America’s largest food and retail union and represents 1.3 million professionals and their families in healthcare, grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops and other industries that serve communities in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at ufcw.org.