NEW YORK – United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1500, endorsed New York State Assembly Member Aravella Simotas in her campaign for re-election in Assembly District 36 in northwest Queens. The union represents over 20,000 grocery workers in New York.

“Assemblywoman Simotas has always stood with working people, and especially during this difficult time we need champions like her, with a proven record, to continue to lead our community,” said President Robert Newell.

“Local 1500 is excited to support Aravella Simotas, to make sure we keep her in the Assembly. We know through her history of supporting all working people she will continue to stand up for us in Albany,” said Secretary-Treasurer Aly Waddy.

“UFCW Local 1500 has been working tirelessly to protect grocery workers at the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and I am proud to stand with them in this fight,” Assembly Member Simotassaid. “I will continue advocating for strong labor protections and just compensation for all the essential workers who are providing critical services to our communities at great personal cost.”

Assembly Member Simotas has been a strong supporter of organized labor and championed reforms expanding the rights of workers. Her legislative accomplishments include passing a landmark bill making sweeping changes to New York’s employment law to strengthen protections against workplace harassment and discrimination.

UFCW Local 1500 joins a growing list of labor groups backing Simotas for re-election, including CWA, 32BJ, 1199SEIU, LIUNA-NY, and Teamsters Local 831. The primary will be held on June 23.

To learn more, visit www.aravella.com.