Voting and Elections
UFCW voters matter for California.
Safe Prescriptions
UFCW is working to ensure pharmacists have the support to do their most important job: delivering the right medicines, in the right doses and protecting consumers against potentially deadly drug interactions.
Cannabis
The UFCW is the only union representing cannabis workers in California. We are committed to building a successful industry that offers consumers access to safe products and local communities jobs with better wages and benefits.
Sacramento, CA – The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Western States Council today announced that the Executive Board confirmed Acting Executive Director Amber Parrish Baur as Executive Director. The Board also elected Andrea Zinder, UFCW Local 324 Secretary-Treasurer, to serve as President of the Council. The Board’s selections mean female leaders in the top elected and staff posts for the first time in the UFCW Western States Council’s history.
“I look forward to leading UFCW Western States Council and bringing workers’ voices together to fight for dignity and opportunity for all,” said Baur. “After historic leadership in the 2018 midterm elections, working people are more determined than ever to hold elected officials accountable for healthcare, good jobs and workers’ rights. As Executive Director, I will work closely with our UFCW members and our leadership to advance these crucial issues and create new, quality jobs that support families and communities.”
Before being appointed as acting executive director in January, Baur was UFCW Western States Council’s Political Director, where she helped elect progressive candidates for office and enact strict worker protections. Prior to coming to UFCW, she was the Political Director for the San Francisco Labor Council where she was instrumental in raising the minimum wage, closing a loophole that left many workers unprotected, and passing legislation that gave workers a predictable schedule and access to full-time employment.
“At time when workers’ voices must lead the nation to restore the American Dream for the next generation, I am grateful for the opportunity to lead UFCW’s Western States Council and to work with Amber and our members to transform our economy, lift up working families, and strengthen our communities,” said Zinder.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2019
CONTACT: Jenna Thompson, 916.444.7280 or jenna@paschalroth.com
Sacramento, CA – The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Western States Council released the following statement from Jim Araby, Executive Director, United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council on the inauguration of Gavin Newsom as Governor of California:
“The 200,000 members of UFCW Western States Council who keep our state’s food safe, protect public health, and work hard to invest in our communities are proud to have worked tirelessly to elect Gavin Newsom as Governor. Newsom recognized that the priorities that matter to us – rebuilding the middle class, achieving universal healthcare, and investing in our children’s education – are what make California a model for the nation.
“Governor Newsom’s leadership was crucial in bringing cannabis out of the shadows and into a safe, regulated market where workers have access to a union so they can create quality jobs and serve a crucial role as watchdogs for consumers. This is exactly the kind of leadership California needs to build a strong economy where workers voices are respected.
“We look forward to working with Governor Newsom to create good jobs, achieve affordable health care, reform our criminal justice system, and protect workers’ right to have a voice on the job.”
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The United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council is the regional coordinating body of 11 UFCW local unions representing over 200,000 workers in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. The Council is a part of the 1.2 million-member strong UFCW International Union. UFCW members are standing together to improve the lives of workers, families, and communities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2019
CONTACT: Mike Roth, 916.444.7170 or mike@paschalroth.com
Sacramento, CA – United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Western States Council today announced that Executive Director Jim Araby has accepted a position as Strategic Campaign Director for UFCW Local 5 in San Jose. Effective January 18, 2019, Amber Parrish Baur will serve as acting Executive Director for the States Council.
Baur currently serves as UFCW Western States Council’s Political Director where she has helped elect progressive candidates for office and enact stronger worker protections.
“Jim’s departure leaves big shoes to fill at UFCW Western States Council, but I am eager to ensure a smooth transition that will allow the union to continue its leadership into 2019,” said Baur.
“The 200,000 working members of UFCW Western States Council are grateful for Jim Araby’s leadership on behalf of California’s working families.” said Kirk Vogt, acting Council President, UFCW Western States Council.
“I am extremely proud of the work we accomplished at UFCW Western States Council for working Californians. said Jim Araby. “I look forward to continuing to lift up California’s working people in my new capacity with UFCW Local 5.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2019
CONTACT: Mike Roth, 916.444.7170