QUEENS VILLAGE, NY (02/12/2013)(readMedia)– The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1500, New York State’s largest grocery workers union with over 23,000 members, today announced its endorsement of Stephen Levin for re-election to the 33rd City Council District in Brooklyn.
” Stephen has brought energy and common sense to the New York City Council since his election in 2009,” stated Bruce W. Both, President of UFCW Local 1500. ” Most importantly he brings a passion to serve the constituents of his district and the working men and women of New York City. Councilmember Levin works hard to see that government is working for them and not the other way around. As a Councilmember, he has stood side by side with our members in their fight to protect the middle class and to share in the American Dream. We will work hard to see he is re-elected,” Both 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 members are women.
“Councilmember Levin was an early supporter of Local 1500’s “Building Blocks” Campaign that called on New York City to develop a food policy that focuses on bringing full service supermarkets to under served communities,” stated Patrick Purcell, Assistant to the President. “Stephen is dedicated to bringing good food, good jobs and good health to all New Yorkers and will continue to develop smart policies that will grow our cities economy and develop middle class jobs. Our members are thankful for his leadership.”
UFCW Local 1500 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, Key Food. Fairway, D’agastinos and Shop Rite.