State's Largest Grocery Workers Union Endorses John Liu for State Senate

WESTBURY, NY (05/27/2014)(readMedia)-- United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500, representing over 23,000 New York State grocery workers, announced today that they have endorsed John Liu to be the next State Senator for the 11th District in Northeastern Queens. The Union cited Liu's progressive stance on several issues of great importance to their membership and the supermarkets that employ them.

"Working families in Northeast Queens need an honest, hardworking, and aggressive fighter for the community that is true to the Democratic Party and will fight for a strong, progressive agenda in Albany. John Liu will fight against wage theft, work hard to keep Wal-Mart out of New York City, and stand alongside our members to raise the wage of the working class in the district." Secretary-Treasurer, Tony Speelman

President Bruce Both added, "As New York City Comptroller, John Liu fought hard for low-wage workers and the middle class. We are confident that John will be aggressive in defending the American Dream and the values of the Democratic Party."

"I am honored to accept the endorsement of the hard working women and men of UFCW 1500," said John Liu. "The people of District 11 and New York City need fighters who won't turn their backs on progressive agenda items like better wages, meaningful immigration reforms, and quality jobs where workers have a voice and are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. I'm excited to get to work in Albany, representing Democratic values and getting real results for working families."

UFCW 1500 promotes progressive policies such as demanding Walmart 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 raising the federal minimum wage.

The Local Union represents over 23,000 members in New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties and is based out of Westbury, NY. Members of Local 1500 are employed by Pathmark, King Kullen, Stop and Shop, Gristedes, Fairway, D'Agostinos, Key Food, and Shoprite.

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Follow UFCW Local 1500 on Twitter @ufcw1500 and at facebook.com/ufcw1500.