States Largest Grocery Workers Union Endorses Micah Kellner for New York City Councils 5th District

WESTBURY, NEW YORK (02/06/2013)(readMedia)-- United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 1500, New York State's largest grocery workers union today announced its endorsement of Micah Kellner to be the next New York City Council Member to represent the constituents of the 5th City Council District. The 5th District covers the upper east side of Manhattan.

"As a New York State Assembly Member, Micah Kellner has distinguished himself as a vocal and aggressive advocate for the working families that reside in his Assembly District," said UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both. "UFCW Local 1500 will be equally aggressive and dedicated to his 2013 campaign and will fight to make sure that Micah Kellner brings his strong working class values and common sense governing to the New York City Council and the residents of the 5th District."

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.

" Many elected officials talk the talk but few walk the walk as consistently as Micah Kellner," 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 passage of the Wage Theft Prevention Act, Micah Kellner does not just support good legislation, he works tirelessly to see that the legislation becomes law and that those laws are strongly enforced. Micah Kellner is a true fighter for the American Dream and as a New York City Councilmember he 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.