United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1 President Frank DeRiso joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the mass shooting in Buffalo and how it affected his members, including those who work at the Tops Friendly Markets store where the tragedy took place.
Local 1 represents workers in Upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania.
About 30 Local 1 members were working at the store on May 14 when a white supremist allegedly shot and killed 10 African Americans. DeRiso explained how members of the community have supported each other through their grief and what is being done for the workers.
A Local One Relief Fund was established to help members recover from the tragedy and to support the family of Aaron Salter, a retired Buffalo police officer and Tops security officer, who died attempting to stop the shooter.
Contributions to the fund can be sent to the Local One Relief Fund, 5911 Airport Road, Oriskany, NY 13424.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about how the tragedy has affected workers and the community.