Union Representing Essential Workers Across the Country Praise Elections of Liz Shuler as President, Fred Redmond as Secretary-Treasurer
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, celebrated the AFL-CIO’s election of the most diverse leadership team to ever lead the labor federation to a full term.
President Liz Shuler is the first woman to ever hold the highest position in the AFL-CIO and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond is the first African-American to hold the second-highest position in the federation. Their election at this year’s AFL-CIO convention means they will serve a full four year term in these leadership roles, after having previously been elected to fill the remainder of the late AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka’s term last year.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone released the following statement:
“AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond have proven themselves to be fierce advocates for working families through their decades of service in the labor movement. In this incredibly energized moment in labor history, their vision and commitment to the fight is going to help us grow the movement and help build a stronger future for working people everywhere.
“After two years of confronting a global pandemic, there has never been a more important time for essential workers. With Liz Shuler and her historic leadership team, the 1.3 million members of the UFCW has a tireless partner in our fight for improved wages, safer workplaces, and a better life for our members and their families.
“Working together, we will build a better future for all workers and hard-working families.”
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is a federation of 56 national and international labor unions, including UFCW, which represents a total of 12.5 million working men and women.
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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.