Organized Labor Endorses Giannoulias for Secretary of State
Powerful UFCW locals with 64,000+ workers commit support for Giannoulias in 2020 election
Two influential union locals of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union have endorsed former State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias in the 2022 primary election for Illinois Secretary of State.
UFCW Local 881, which boasts 34,000 members, and Local 1546, which includes 20,000 members, each lauded Giannoulias as a champion for working families. The early endorsements, which come 14 months before the primary election, demonstrate the importance of the Secretary of State’s office to the Democratic ticket and Giannoulias’ commitment to middle-class values and labor-driven issues.
Current Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has indicated that he will not seek re-election in 2022, which would create an open seat.
The UFCW, which is affiliated with AFL-CIO, represents a diverse range of 1.3 million grocery, food processing and healthcare workers.
“Alexi is a longtime ally of working people and has a proven track record of getting the job done for middle-class families,” said Local 881 President and International Vice President Steve Powell. “During this critical time, Alexi brings an experienced and trusted voice that will strengthen the foundation of our movement. From his days as State Treasurer when he held corporations accountable, ushered in sweeping ethics reforms and delivered new job opportunities to Illinois, Alexi showed that he shares our values. Our 34,000 members are poised to play a major role in the 2022 campaign and elect Alexi as Illinois’ next Secretary of State.”
“We know that Alexi will fight every day for the issues that matter most to our 20,000 members and their families,” said UFCW Local 1546 President Robert O’Toole. “Alexi is not only the strongest candidate to win the nomination and general election, but also the right one who understands the importance of serving as a strong advocate for securing fair wages, enhancing health care benefits and protecting our retirement security. Alexi recognizes that we pride ourselves in the diversity of our membership, which is our core strength, and we know that he will work tirelessly to restore trust in our government and elected officials to create a better future for middle-class families.”
“UFCW members have been working on the frontlines as essential workers throughout the pandemic, preparing much-needed food, distributing vital goods to the public and providing critical healthcare while unselfishly putting themselves at risk,” Giannoulias said. “I’m honored and proud to stand with UFCW workers to advance their rights and recover from this crisis stronger than ever. I will continue to serve as a voice for them in Springfield and for all hard-working men and women across our state.”
