UFCW 951 Announces Endorsement of Melissa Gilbert for Congress

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) 951 announced their endorsement of Melissa Gilbert (D – Brighton), candidate for Michigan's 8th Congressional District.

"Melissa Gilbert recognizes that a strong economy is one that supports working families," John Cakmakci, UFCW 951 president, said. "Her values reflect the issues that are important to Michigan's middle class."

A working mother and now a grandmother, Gilbert lives with her husband Timothy Busfield in Livingston County. She believes that supporting our working families means building an economy that works for everyone. Hardworking and committed, Gilbert hopes to use her voice to help make a difference for the people of Michigan.

"Here in Michigan, I know people are doing their best to make a good life for themselves and their families. When it comes down to it, I think that's what we all really want," Gilbert said. "I'm running for Congress to make life a little easier for all the families who feel they have fallen through the cracks in today's economy. I believe building a new economy is a team effort, and we need to bring fresh voices to the table to get the job done."

A longtime activist, Gilbert has consistently demonstrated a commitment to serving her community. She is specifically passionate about issues confronting women, children and families. From 2001 to 2005, Gilbert served as president of the Screen Actors Guild, a labor union for media artists and entertainers. During her time as president, Gilbert represented over 100,000 people across the country and made important changes to defend their rights and safety. Gilbert strengthened laws protecting child actors, and protected and expanded retirement and health care benefits for retirees.

"Melissa has a proven track record of protecting workers' rights and supporting unions, which strengthen the voices of American workers," Cakmakci said. "I am confident that she will fight for Michigan's working families in Congress."

UFCW 951 represents approximately 32,000 workers across Michigan employed at a variety of companies including Meijer, Kroger, Rite Aid, JBS, Polly's, Plumb's, Harding's, Valley City Linen and Orchard Grove Nursing Home.

SOURCE UFCW 951

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