UFCW Endorses the Food and Nutrition Delivery Safety Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), America's largest private sector union representing 1.2 million workers in meatpacking, food processing, grocery, retail, and other essential industries across North America, released a statement endorsing the reintroduction of the Food and Nutrition Delivery Safety Act. This legislation would require that federal agencies establish delivery guardrails for retailers participating in the online SNAP delivery program.

UFCW International President Milton Jones said:

BACKGROUND

• Online grocery shopping, including among SNAP beneficiaries, has skyrocketed in popularity over the past several years, prompting the need for updated regulatory legislation that reflects this evolution.

• If enacted, this legislation would update the Food and Nutrition Act to require that federal agencies establish strong protections for both in-store and independent contractor, "gig," delivery workers.

• Qualified SNAP-eligible retailers would be required to pay delivery workers no less than minimum wage, receive employer-provided health and safety training and be given appropriate food safety equipment, with compliance monitored by U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service.

• Non-compliance would result in retailers losing their authorization to participate in the SNAP online delivery program, with the ability to reapply once they have shown they are following standards and are ensuring a safe and equitable workplace for delivery drivers.

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The UFCW International is the largest private sector union in the United States, representing 1.2 million workers and their families in grocery, meatpacking, food processing, healthcare, cannabis, retail, and other essential industries. UFCW members serve our communities in all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at ufcw.org.