June 11, 2014
By Stephanie West
New York, NY – UFCW Local 1500 has an issue with Charlie Rangel for his defense of Big-Box Stores in the recent Congressional debate. New York State's Largest Grocery Workers Union, which represents 23,000 retail workers in New York City and the surrounding area, released the following statement.
"In the recent Congressional debate, Charlie Rangel failed to mention that he is a Walmart-funded candidate who has been paid to defend big-box stores. Since 2004, Rangel has received $15,000 from Walmart. But stores like Walmart don't simply create jobs, as Rangel misleadingly suggested.
Walmart kills good local jobs, harms working people, and undercuts responsible businesses. Neighborhoods like Harlem and Washington Heights deserve much better than a predatory and destructive employer like Walmart. If Rangel cares about creating better jobs and real economic opportunities in his community, he should immediately reject Walmart's financial support. We call on him to sever all ties with Walmart," said Tony Speelman, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW Local 1500.
