Cites “Unwavering Dedication” to New Yorkers as Reason for Early Endorsement
WESTBURY, NY (09/13/2012)(readMedia)– The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1500, New York State’s largest grocery workers union today announced its early endorsement of New York City Councilmember Jessica Lappin for Manhattan Borough President in 2013.
“As a Councilmember, Jessica Lappin has distinguished herself as a vocal and aggressive advocate for the working families that reside in her New York City Council District,” said UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both. “UFCW Local 1500 is excited to support her 2013 campaign to bring strong working class values and common sense governing to the Office of Manhattan Borough President. Our 23,000 members are proud to endorse Jessica Lappin to be the next Manhattan Borough President.”
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UFCW Local 1500 represents 23,000 grocery workers across New York State with just over 10,000 members located within the five boroughs. UFCW Local 1500 helped write and pass the NYC FRESH Initiative, a zoning and financing law aimed at bringing more Supermarkets to underserved communities. The Union also serves on the New York State Supermarket Commission.
UFCW Local 1500 also has an active “Women’s Network,” which assesses issues particular to women like domestic violence and breast cancer awareness, and develops action programs to address them. Over half of UFCW Local 1500’s members are women. UFCW Local 1500 has also been a strong opponent of Wal-Mart opening in New York City and supports irresponsible employers being held accountable when New Yorkers are negatively effected by their policies.
” Many elected officials talk the talk but few walk the walk as consistently and with such unwavering dedication as Councilmember Jessica Lappin,” said Patrick Purcell, Assistant to President of UFCW Local 1500. “Whether its demanding Wal-Mart be held accountable for it’s unethical business practices or supporting the expansion of supermarkets into underserved communities and creating good food, good jobs and good health for thousands of New Yorkers, Jessica Lappin does not just support good policy, she works tirelessly to create coalitions and build consensus necessary see these policies succeed. Councilmember Jessica Lappin is a true fighter for the American Dream and as Manhattan Borough President she will help more people realize that dream,” Purcell concluded.
United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, based out of Westbury, NY represents grocery workers in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties. Members of Local 1500 are employed by Pathmark, King Kullen, Stop and Shop, Gristedes, Fairway, D’agastinos, Key Food and Shop Rite.