Former grocery clerk and Shoals native Milton Jones elected Food and Commercial Workers union president

FLORENCE – A courtesy clerk at Kroger as a teenager, Milton Jones is now the head of the nation’s largest private sector union.

Jones, a Florence native, was elected president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, representing 1.2 million workers in grocery, meatpacking, retail, and other essential industries across North America.

“I am deeply honored to have been elected as the International President of the UFCW,”  said Jones. “This union has been an integral part of my life for over 45 years, starting as a 16-year-old courtesy clerk at Kroger in Florence. Throughout my career at UFCW – from serving as a shop steward and volunteer organizer to most recently as secretary-treasurer – I have witnessed firsthand the strength and determination of our members many times over.

“These experiences have reinforced my commitment to advocating for better wages, safer working conditions, and equitable opportunities for all workers.”

Jones has been a UFCW member for more than 45 years and has served in various capacities in the International Union for over 33 years. He also served four years in the Navy. 

“As I step down from my role as International President of the UFCW, I am filled with gratitude and pride. … I am confident in the future of our union under Milton’s leadership,” said retiring UFCW President Marc Perrone. “His decades of experience along with the strength, resilience, and unity of our members and local unions across the U.S. and Canada will continue to drive us forward.”

UFCW Canada National President Shawn Haggerty was elected secretary-treasurer and General Counsel Lisa Pedersen was elected executive vice president.  

“As I step into this new role, I am committed to building upon the legacy of those who came before me and to working collaboratively across our local unions and members,” Jones said. “Together, we will continue to champion the rights of workers across the country, ensuring that every member has the support and resources they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.”

UFCW members serve in all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico.