UFCW History

While the history of the United Food and Commercial Workers begins in 1979, the history of the various industries within our union is long and proud. The industries that UFCW members work in were involved in the earliest stages of trade unionism in North America, and many times these workers acted as a catalyst for early change within the labor community.

The progression the United Food and Commercial Workers has experienced since its inception is due in large part to its extraordinary leaders. These men and women dedicated their lives to the Labor Movement, and pledged life-long service to United Food and Commercial Workers members and all working people. As a result of their efforts, the workers of North America have initiated change and gained a strong voice on the job for themselves and for future generations.

“Let the workers organize. Let the toilers assemble. Let their crystallized voices proclaim their injustices and demand their privileges. Let all thoughtful citizens sustain them, for the future of labor is the future of America.”

-John L. Lewis