UFCW Local 951 Announces Endorsement of Gretchen Driskell for Congress

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 951 announced their endorsement of Gretchen Driskell (D—Saline), candidate for Michigan's 7th Congressional District, at a press conference held yesterday at their headquarters in Grand Rapids.

"The UFCW is proud to stand alongside Representative Gretchen Driskell because she believes in the power of a uniquely American promise—equality of opportunity," said John Cakmakci, President of United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 951. "Gretchen believes in serving her neighbors, giving a voice to the people in her community, and working for a better Michigan and a better America: one that prioritizes education, local businesses, and working families. What's more, she has the public record to prove it. Service to her community has always been a driving force for Gretchen."

"Gretchen has been a strong advocate for working families on countless issues, from expanding public transportation so our workers can get from their homes to their jobs, to boldly opposing the fast-tracking of TPP," said Cakmakci. "Just as Gretchen has fought for us in the past, we know she will continue to fight for working families in Michigan when elected to Congress."

"I am proud to have stood with the UFCW and working families on issues at the local and state levels, first as Mayor of Saline and then as a State Representative," said Driskell. "I was also proud to stand with the UFCW as we together opposed the fast-tracking of TPP. And I'm proud to stand with the passionate and visionary leadership of the UFCW as we work hard to protect the labor movement's past victories and to secure the future progress of working families in Michigan."

"Our economic recovery should be as accessible to working families as it is for our country's highest earners," said Driskell. "For the families that have seen their Michigan dream torn down, let's rebuild it.  For the families that have built their own Michigan dream with hard work and determination, let's help them protect it.  I'm excited to take that message to every voter in this district, and to ask for their support as we work to rebuild and protect Michigan values."

Driskell has served her community for more than 20 years. In 1993, she was elected as a member of Saline's City Council where she served for six years before becoming Saline's first female Mayor. Driskell served as mayor for 14 years, making her the city's longest-serving mayor. As Mayor, Driskell maintained a balanced budget, oversaw Saline being named one of the top 100 small cities in America three times, and prioritized and improved local schools. In 2012, Driskell was elected to represent the 52^nd district in the Michigan House of Representatives where she sits on the Agriculture, Elections and Ethics, and Communications and Technology Committees.

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

Related Links

http://www.ufcw951.com