From May 5 to 7, UFCW leaders from across the country came together at the Legislative and Political Action Conference in Detroit to discuss the federal, state, and political issues that impact our members. Our combined might in the battleground state of Michigan attracted a star-studded cast, including Vice President Kamala Harris; Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su; Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer; Michigan Senator Gary Peters, Michigan Speaker of the House Joe Tate; Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez; and U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell, Haley Stevens, Shri Thanedar, Hillary Scholten and Rashida Tlaib. The UFCW’s Legislative and Political Action Department (LAPAD) hosted the conference.
From meatpacking safety to the Farm Bill to artificial intelligence to mobilizing young voters, the conference was an opportunity for UFCW participants to learn and strategize during a pivotal election year. The conference featured panels of experts who talked about state legislation to support organizing; pocketbook issues to engage members; lobbying governors and administration officials; tools to enhance political programs; ABC fundraising; messaging in the new digital landscape; cannabis; and repealing Michigan right to work.
The attendees brought their own expertise to the table, engaging with the elected leaders, sharing tales of success and challenges with their colleagues, and speaking truth to power.
Awards were given to top ABC fundraisers including:
– Most raised per member overall and in a union secure state to UFCW Local 1428 with an average of $29.53/member.
– Most raised per member in a right to work state to UFCW Local 1000 with an average of $29.40/member.
“Political engagement done holistically is about maximizing the scope of influence of our entire union,” said International Vice President and LAPAD Director Ademola Oyefeso. “Engaging legislative and electoral politics enables us to deliver more for members and show our employers who we are and what we can do. When we mobilize our members and help them to understand the power in their communities, halls of Congress, and at the polls, we help them to know their rights at work, as well. But to achieve that vision, we need to secure the power and influence of the UFCW. We need to win elections and pass laws and secure funding so they will know our power. We are here to build a national UFCW from coast to coast that people know, respect, and want to be a part of.”