UFCW 876 President Announces Neutrality in Michigan Democratic Chair Endorsement

Political Divisiveness Not a Platform to Progress

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., Feb. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 876 President Roger Robinson announced he would remain neutral in endorsing a candidate for the Michigan Democratic chair as affiliation lines have been publicly drawn, bringing additional strain on union relations.

"Efforts in building a unified labor coalition have been disheartening," Roger Robinson, UFCW 876 president said. "Michigan labor would have been better served had a consensus been made prior to convention. This division may dilute organized labor's efforts, and could further weaken its strength."

Robinson remains hopeful post convention sentiment will bring a renewal of unity; coupled with the rethinking and restructuring of the caucus.

"At this time, my endorsement would only further this divisiveness; and weakens our effort.    Ultimately, labor will have to collect ourselves as a group; and move in unison, despite who the chair is," Robinson said. "UFCW 876 remains committed too; and will fully support the emerging candidate unconditionally in finding new strength and direction."  

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 876, is a progressive labor union representing workers across Michigan in a variety of industries including grocery, retail, food processing & packaging, healthcare, retail pharmacy, automotive supply, and cosmetology & hair care, who work at employers like The Kroger Company, Hiller's, Hollywood Markets, and Rite Aid.  There are over 42,000 UFCW members in Michigan and over 1.3 million UFCW members nationwide.

SOURCE United Food and Commercial Workers Local 876