United Latinos President's End of the Year Message

Dear United Latinos Familia,

As the end of the year draws near, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members and sponsoring UFCW Locals who make the United Latinos strong, thank you for another incredible year packed with ganas and transformative change for our union, we would not be here without you. I also want to thank a moment to thank the United Latinos Executive leadership, we could not be in better hands, and I am so grateful for your guidance, work, and dedication to the United Latinos.

The United Latinos had an impactful year, hundreds of you joined us for our 2022 United Latinos Education Conference in Las Vegas Nevada. During the conference, we recommitted to prioritize the growth of our Union through organizing. Many of you were part of the launch our four-part Organizing Training in Spanish, which was one of the highlights of our year. A team of 23 organizers came together to collaborate and create an amazing curriculum, we could not be prouder of their final product. We have received incredible feedback for it and are eager to share it widely throughout the UFCW.

Over this past year we continued fundraising efforts for our New American Citizenship Fund. We are proud of our union members who take the brave step to become citizens, especially during an election year when their voices matter in the ballot box. Applications for the New American Citizenship Fund are now open and available to submit digitally through our website. If you know of someone who might benefit from the fund, make sure to put “completing their form” on your “2023 ToDo’s List,” application close on March 1, 2023.

On a personal note, it has been reassuring to see how workers continue to rise and demand union representation in their workplaces nationally and internationally. Workers building collective power is a testament to the moment we are living yet there is much work to be done. To tackle the work ahead it is crucial to organize immigrant, refugee, and Latinx workers. As the United Latinos we are ready to take the challenge and work with UFCW Locals to support organizing in any capacity.

Lastly, I want us all to take a moment to reflect on the year ahead, may it be a year of tremendous growth for the United Latinos, for the UFCW, and for our Labor Movement. We look forward to a successful 2023 working together!

Best wishes and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones,

Rigoberto Valdez Jr.

President

United Latinos of the UFCW

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