Hoffa Visits Kroger Warehouse As First Stop on Mich. Gov.'s Bus Tour
DETROIT -- Teamsters general president Jim Hoffa joined workers at the Kroger's Livonia, Mich. 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.
"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," said Hoffa. "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 supportive of their agendas.
"I've never paid attention to politics before, but this year I couldn't afford not to get involved," said Kevin Hutton, a Southfield, Mich. father and Teamster who has worked at Faygo 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," said Hoffa. "America's middle class is under attack, and one of the best ways we can fight back is to vote."
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.
"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," said Hoffa. "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 supportive of their agendas.
"I've never paid attention to politics before, but this year I couldn't afford not to get involved," said Kevin Hutton, a Southfield, Mich. father and Teamster who has worked at Faygo 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," said Hoffa. "America's middle class is under attack, and one of the best ways we can fight back is to vote."