UFCW Local 555 Endorses Merkley for U.S. Senate

PORTLAND—United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 555 today threw its support behind Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley’s bid to unseat Senator Gordon Smith. The union local’s Executive Board voted unanimously to support Merkley’s election.

“With Jeff leading the charge in the state House, Oregon’s working families are finally getting the respect they deserve,” said UFCW Local 555 President Gene Pronovost. “I know he’ll continue to fight for opportunity and prosperity for all American workers as Oregon’s next United States Senator. He’s a champion for working people.”

UFCW Local 555 represents 18,000 workers in Oregon and Southwestern Washington. Their membership is comprised of workers in retail, manufacturing, health care and other industries. This diverse group of workers is the largest private sector labor union in Oregon.

Pronovost pointed to the success of House Bill 3339 as an example of Merkley’s strong commitment to working families in Oregon. That bill, passed by the House in May, guarantees unemployment benefits to employees who are locked-out by their employers during a labor dispute through no fault of their own.

“Without Jeff’s leadership, that bill probably would have died once again this session. But his refusal to let big corporations run over workers means Oregon families won’t face financial ruin as a result of a lock-out,” Pronovost said.

“I’m proud to stand with working families to move Oregon and America forward,” Merkley said. “At every turn, Gordon Smith chooses to protect big corporations and their lobbyists over protecting the rights of workers. Oregon’s working families need a senator who will look out for them.”

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Posted September 12, 2007
Endorsements, Press, Spotlight

Jeff Merkley was born in the small town of Myrtle Creek, Oregon, the son of a sawmill worker. He's fought hard for working families in Oregon and he's ready to help lead America.

As Oregon's Speaker of the House, Jeff Merkley led one of the most effective, efficient and progressive legislative sessions in Oregon's history - with big achievements for schools, ethics, health care, jobs, alternative energy, and protections for working families.

Discover why Jeff Merkley is ready to lead.

For years, Gordon Smith has given rich corporations and well-connected lobbyists in DC the upper hand - costing too many working families their jobs.

Jeff Merkley knows first-hand it's time to crack down on big corporations outsourcing American jobs and create economic opportunity for every Oregon worker right here at home.

Dive into the issues - and learn where Jeff Merkley will lead America.

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