NY State's Largest Grocery Workers Union Endorses Rafael Espinal for New York City Council's 37th District

WESTBURY, NY (03/13/2013)(readMedia)-- United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 1500, New York State's largest grocery workers union today announced its endorsement of Rafael Espinal to be the next New York City Council Member to represent the constituents of the 37th City Council District.

"As a New York State Assembly Member, Rafael Espinal has distinguished himself as a vocal and aggressive advocate for the working families that reside in his district in Brooklyn," said UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both. "UFCW Local 1500 is excited to fight and make sure that Rafael Espinal brings his strong working class values and common sense governing to the New York City Council and the residents of the 37th District."

"Many elected officials talk the talk but few walk the walk as consistently as Rafael Espinal," said Patrick Purcell, Assistant to President of UFCW Local 1500. "Whether its supporting the expansion of supermarkets into underserved communities or working to pass the Wage Theft Prevention Act, Rafael Espinal does not just support good legislation, he works tirelessly to see that the legislation becomes law and that those laws are strongly enforced," Purcell concluded.

UFCW 1500 represents 23,000 members and promotes progressive policies such as demanding Wal-Mart be held accountable for it's unethical business practices, supporting the expansion of supermarkets into underserved communities and creating good food, good jobs and good health for all New Yorkers. Other Issues of importance to Local 1500 members include aggressive wage theft prosecution, demanding labor standards be attached to corporate subsidies and strengthening New York City land use laws.

UFCW Local 1500 has an active "Women's Network Program," which addresses issues particular to women such as domestic violence and breast cancer. Over half of UFCW Local 1500's members are women.

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. Learn more at www.ufcw1500.org.

###