In the lead-up to today’s elections, UFCW members from local unions across the country have been fanning out to mobilize their co-workers and neighbors in a massive get-out-the-vote effort on behalf of pro-worker candidates and ballot initiatives.
To prepare, the UFCW Legislative and Political Action Department worked with more than 25 locals (full list below) to train political member organizers. The effort then moved to state-specific trainings, candidate conversations, and finally, a get-out-the-vote push.
UFCW International Vice President Ademola Oyefeso said the grassroots mobilization was made possible by members’ commitment to worker solidarity.
“We’re grateful to every member who took part in this year’s member-to-member political program,” he said. “Since early summer, we’ve been talking with members about the issues that matter most to them and the candidates who share their values. Whatever happens today, it’s been made clear to elected officials and candidates that the UFCW fights to elect leaders who stand with our members. And we’re not done. We’ll keep working with public officials to pass policy reforms that benefit our members across the country.”
Working with their own local unions and AFL-CIO-affiliated locals, UFCW members knocked on doors, made phone calls, held worksite conversations, and organized rallies. In addition to encouraging voters to cast their ballots, they discussed critical issues facing our country, including the affordability crisis, protecting healthcare and retirement security, and upholding the right to form and join a union.
“I think it’s important for union members to vote in all elections, because it’s working people that build America,” said Kyle Kummers with UFCW Local 1473. “So, having the support of my union brothers and sisters and siblings all over the country—and especially the ones that have come in to help us out here in Wisconsin—shows that the more we stick together, the more we get things accomplished.”
Members were engaged in nearly every major election, from gubernatorial races in Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin, to Senate and House races in Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas, as well as attorney general races in Arizona and Minnesota.
In other states, members were active in championing pro-worker causes and encouraging voters to make their voices heard.
The UFCW Women’s Network provided guidance and insights on important voting rights measures on the ballot in Arizona, Nevada, and California.
Participating Locals: 75, 99, 222IN, 324, 431, 455, 555, 617, 663, 700, 770, 876, 880, 951, 1059, 1167, 1189, 1208, 1428, 1473, 1546, 1625, 1776KS, 1994, 1996, 3000, and the RWDSU