July 28, 2010

UFCW Statement on Ruling Striking Key Provisions of Arizona

(Washington, DC) – The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union today issued the following statement:

“Today’s decision is an important first step toward protecting Arizona families, taking a stand against racial profiling, and upholding our Constitution, which clearly states that immigration is a federal responsibility.

“Our broken immigration system cannot be fixed through a patchwork of piecemeal proposals. We need a comprehensive overhaul at the federal level, not short-sighted, politically motivated laws enacted on a state-by-state basis. Today’s decision further validates this point.

“We applaud the Justice Department and the Obama Administration for its vigorous defense of our Constitution and for protecting and advocating on behalf of working people across the country.”

July 9, 2010

UFCW STATEMENT REGARDING DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CHALLENGE TO ARIZONA IMMIGRATION LAW

WASHINGTON – United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International President Joseph T. Hansen released the following statement today in response to the Obama Administration’s decision to challenge the state of Arizona’s recently passed immigration law, S.B. 1070. In May, the UFCW joined major civil rights, civil liberties and other labor organizations in filing a federal lawsuit challenging the law:

“It is clear that Arizona’s immigration bill is a recipe for racial profiling that runs counter to the values and ideals that make our nation strong.

“The decision by the Justice Department to challenge this law is a clear sign that enforcing immigration law is the role of the federal government.

“We applaud the Justice Department and the Obama Administration for its vigorous defense of our Constitution and for protecting and advocating on behalf of working people across the country.

“”Our broken immigration system cannot be fixed through a patchwork of piecemeal proposals. We need a comprehensive overhaul at the federal level, not short-sighted, politically motivated laws enacted on a state-by-state basis.

“America needs a 21^st century immigration system that works for the American worker—a system where undocumented workers can come out of the shadows and get right with the law, a system where all workers can see their job and earnings prospects strengthened because bottom feeding employers are no longer given free reign to hire and abuse undocumented immigrants, and a system where all workers can speak up without fear of retaliation.

“It is unfortunate that many Republicans seem more focused on political expediency and personal job security than on our national and economic security, our liberty and the defense of our Constitution.

“In recent years, there have been politicians—on both sides of the aisle—who have shown real leadership, courage and commitment on this issue. For the sake of our nation, it is time for them to once again come together and lead our country forward.

“All across the country, UFCW locals and our members are organizing and mobilizing our communities around the importance of comprehensive immigration reform and protecting workers’ constitutional rights.

“Together, we can bring stability and security to our economy, to our borders and to our families.  Together, we can refocus this debate on real, meaningful comprehensive immigration reform that restores the rule of law, respects the constitutional rights of all workers, and recognizes the incredible role that our nation’s diversity has played—and will continue to play—in making our communities strong and vibrant.”

July 2, 2010

Food Workers Union Applauds Obama

WASHINGTON – United Food and Commercial Workers Union International President (UFCW) Joseph T. Hansen released the following statement today in response to President Obama’s speech on immigration at American University:

“President Obama today laid out a clear and compelling case why the passage of comprehensive immigration reform legislation remains one of the most pressing issues facing our nation.

“For too long, our nation’s immigration system has fueled exploitation, discrimination and abuse. It has allowed unscrupulous employers to drive down wages and working conditions in industries across the nation, while creating an underground economy where labor laws are shredded and workers are afraid to report serious safety concerns.

“Our current immigration system is badly broken, and Congress’ failure to address the issue is leading to a patchwork of state and local laws that are only exacerbating the problem.

“The President today charted a new course for our country—a course that protects workers, respects families and reflects our nation’s interests and our better instincts. It is a course built on security, prosperity, family unity and opportunity. It is a course that holds true to our values as a nation of immigrants, upholds the rule of law and embraces the vitality and the diversity that are the fabric of a forward-looking and strong society.

“Passing comprehensive immigration reform is about addressing the needs of our nation’s workers, its families and its communities. It is about moving America forward toward a brighter tomorrow. We are a nation that has always respected hard work, family and the pursuit of the American Dream. And we believe our immigration system must hold true to these principles.

“The UFCW applauds the President and his Administration for addressing this important challenge. Today’s speech was an important step in rallying working families around this critical issue.

“It is now time for Congress to step up and act. Democrats have offered a tough, practical and responsible plan for fixing our immigration system. It is now time for Republicans, who for too long have used this issue to divide and demean, to do more than just offer heated rhetoric, legislative roadblocks and vitriolic sound bytes. It is time for real leadership. It is time for those who are bent on blocking progress to get out of the way.

“Immigration reform is about rebuilding our economy and ensuring our national security. If our elected officials refuse to address these core issues, if they abdicate their fundamental obligation to their constituents, they have no business being in the halls of Congress.

“The UFCW looks forward to working with the Administration and Congress to make the dream of comprehensive immigration reform a reality for millions of working families across the country. Together, we can bring stability and security to our economy, to our borders and to our families.”