The AFL-CIO applauds the UFCW’s Executive Board’s announcement that it voted unanimously for Joe Hansen to be the new President of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). Hansen is a strong and committed leader who will serve the 1.4 million members of the UFCW with unflagging dedication. He is at heart a union organizer and mobilizer who will help build not only a stronger UFCW, but will help build a stronger and more dynamic labor movement.

Hansen brings to his current role a proud tradition of his work as rank-and-file activist, volunteer organizer, union representative, regional director, head of the union's packinghouse division, and finally as the UFCW's International Secretary-Treasurer since 1997. Hansen understands that the union movement must reach out to workers at an unprecedented level, and help them form unions to improve their lives and communities.

The union movement joins the UFCW in saluting Doug Dority, the retiring president of the UFCW, for his years of service and leadership. Dority brought a grassroots union spirit and unflagging dedication to every position that he has held in the union, including as an AFL-CIO Executive Council member. The union movement is stronger because of his work.

Contact Sarah Massey 202-637-5018