Sacramento, CA – The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Western States Council today released the following statement from Andrea Zinder, president, UFCW Western States Council and UFCW Local 324 in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget for 2021-2022:
“The 170,000 UFCW members in California applaud Governor Newsom’s 2021-2022 California Budget for All which recognizes that California’s workers are the backbone of our great state’s economy and takes action to support these essential frontline workers.
“By providing critical assistance for low-wage workers, most of whom are women and people of color doing jobs vital to California’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and much-needed funds for workforce development and apprenticeship programs, California will be able to sustain jobs, families and help the state overcome the inequality laid bare this past year.
“This budget provides critical assistance for businesses and job creation while California continues to weather the COVID-19 pandemic and as the state recovers, but we cannot forget the workers who day in and day out go to work determined to keep Californians fed and healthy. We must ensure workers receive the critical benefits and protections they need to do their job while remaining healthy and safe – safer worksites and stronger Cal/OSHA enforcement of health and safety laws, hazard pay, supplemental paid sick leave, and priority access to vaccines. Workers will continue to provide essential services, but the state needs to step up to ensure essential frontline workers are not jeopardizing their lives and health of themselves and their families when they go to work.
“Lastly, we’re pleased that California’s Golden State standard of an open and accountable cannabis industry continues with the reorganization of California’s cannabis industry. This will help the public hold businesses accountable for truthful applications and keep California’s cannabis industry safe and above board for all consumers.
“In 2021, we look forward to working with the Governor and the Administration to ensure California’s budget meets the needs of our members, and all of California’s workers, and leads to a stronger future for California’s working people, their families and California’s communities.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2021
Contact: Jenna Thompson, 949.246.1620, [email protected]