Michigan’s Largest Private Sector Union Endorses Chedrick Greene for Michigan’s 35th Senate District

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951 (UFCW 951) today announced its endorsement of Democrat Chedrick Greene in the special election for Michigan’s 35^th Senate District, which represents the Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland area.

“We need someone in this seat who’s going to stand up for the essentials every union member counts on — lowering costs, good-paying jobs, and protecting our rights and democracy,” said Courtney Phillips, UFCW 951 president. “Chedrick has spent 26 years as a Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union member in the Saginaw Fire Department, so he knows what it means to show up for your community and have your coworkers’ backs. I feel a real connection with him — my dad was a union firefighter too, and both of us grew up knowing that honest work matters and that every job deserves dignity. Chedrick understands those values because he’s lived them. At the end of the day, our members come first, and every decision we make starts with what’s best for them. UFCW 951 is proud to stand with Chedrick for Michigan’s 35th Senate District.”

This election is of particular interest to UFCW 951 because it can impact which party holds the majority in the Senate. With critical issues such as worker protections, collective bargaining rights, access to affordable healthcare, and investment in public safety at stake, UFCW 951 wants to see leaders elected who understand and champion the needs of working families.

“Chedrick has demonstrated throughout his career that he is committed to lifting up the people he serves,” Phillips added. “Whether responding to emergencies as a firefighter, or advocating for safer communities, he brings a level of experience, empathy, and integrity that is urgently needed at the state capitol.”

UFCW 951 represents more than 31,000 members across Michigan and remains committed to supporting candidates who prioritize workers’ rights and economic fairness. The union encourages its members and all voters in the 35th Senate District to make their voices heard in the upcoming special election on February 3, 2026, and then again in the general election on May 5, 2026.

“Working people deserve a senator who will show up, listen, and fight for them,” Phillips said. “Chedrick Greene is that leader, and we are proud to stand with him.”

UFCW 951 is a labor union representing over 31,000 workers across Michigan in a variety of industries
including grocery, retail, food processing, and cannabis, who are employed at a variety of companies including Meijer, Kroger,
JBS, JLL, Sunberry Beverages, Polly’s, Harding’s, Planned Parenthood of Michigan, ZenLeaf, and Meijer Manufacturing.
The UFCW is the largest private sector union in the United States representing over 1.3 million UFCW members nationwide
and UFCW 951 is the largest private sector union in Michigan.

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