October 10, 2022
UFCW Western States Council condemns all forms of racism and discrimination, whether in the labor movement, in our government institutions, or in the workplaces our local unions represent. The anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and homophobia we heard on the tape of a conversation with then Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez, Councilmembers Gil Cedillo and Kevin de León and former Los Angeles Federation of Labor Ron Hererra are a direct affront to the working people these officials were elected to represent; they have no place in our labor movement or in our government.
UFCW is a multi-racial and inclusive union; it is this solidarity that defines our fights for justice and equity; it is the foundation of members’ power to change their lives and uplift our communities. These values drive our fight against anti-Black racism and all forms of hate and discrimination as we advocate for pro-worker policies in Sacramento. While we are devastated that the leaders we entrusted as our partners in this fight have instead chosen to divide us, we are guided by our members’ belief that our unions, and our cities are stronger when we stand together. It is through solidarity that we will heal.