Hoffa Joins Kroger Workers to Thank Governor for Protecting Michigan Jobs
Hoffa Visit To Kroger Warehouse Is First Stop On Granholm Bus TourNovember 6, 2006
November 6, 2006
(Detroit) – Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa joined workers at the Livonia, Michigan Kroger distribution warehouse Monday to thank Gov. Jennifer Granholm for her key role in helping to protect Teamsters’ jobs.
Hoffa joined Granholm, Change to Win Chair Anna Burger and activists from CTW affiliate unions at the warehouse, the first stop on the governor’s 24-hour “Election Day Express” bus tour. Granholm intervened to protect hundreds of good-paying union jobs from moving out of state. Backed by a community coalition, the governor worked with the company to find an alternative to outsourcing 500 jobs in a state hit hard in the global economy.
“Our victory at Kroger proved what we can accomplish when union members and the entire community come together to protect good jobs and the local economy,” Hoffa said. “Now, we must vote for pro-worker candidates like Jennifer Granholm who will come out swinging when it comes to the important issues that workers care about.”
“I can’t thank the governor enough for standing up for Michigan workers and protecting good jobs in our state,” said Frank Morreale, a Teamster truck driver for Kroger for more than 20 years. “Kroger now knows it can’t turn its back on workers in this community that have made the company successful.”
Hoffa, Granholm and Burger also listened to stories from workers they met on Monday’s bus tour who are helping to elect candidates in Michigan who are fighting for good jobs and health care.
“I’ve never paid attention to politics before, but this year I couldn’t afford not to get involved,” said Kevin Hutton, a Southfield father and Teamster, who has worked at Faygo Pop for 27 years. “My son is 20, and I’m worried about his future.”
Hutton has been working to defeat Amendment 2, a divisive ballot measure that would allow Michigan universities and employers to discriminate against women and people of color.
“We had conversations with a lot of Michigan Teamsters who are ready for change,” Hoffa said. “America’s middle class is under attack, and one of the best ways we can fight back is to vote tomorrow.”
Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States and Canada.
