Blog

This week’s story comes from UFCW Local 227 member CJ Butcher. CJ works as a Starbucks Barista at Kroger in Lexington, Kentucky.

I just began my first week in the field as a UFCW GOLD intern and so far it’s been busy. My action project is in St. Louis, Missouri, where I am working to spread the word about the harmful effects of anti-worker laws like “right to work.” The Missouri legislature recently passed this terrible piece of legislation, but thankfully it was vetoed by Missouri’s Governor. Our goal this summer is to build support for his veto to ensure that it stands and Missouri doesn’t become a “right to work” state.

My fellow interns and I began laying the groundwork for this effort by constructing worksite flyers, drafting scripts for conversations to have with UFCW members, and making a petition against “right to work” that people can sign on to.

Coming from Kentucky, which has very similar politics to Missouri, I find myself learning a lot of great strategies to help mobilize UFCW members around political events. I look forward to sharing these with my local union when I return in August.

In addition to working on my project, I’ve enjoyed being able to explore a little bit of St. Louis. I feel lucky to be working in a city with such a rich history and in a state with such a diverse political landscape.

I’m really excited about spending the next three weeks here and I look forward to helping keep Missouri a fair place for all workers.