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Unions write letter to Biden in support of Fudge as Ag Secretary

Three unions have endorsed Congresswoman Marcia Fudge of Ohio for US Ag Secretary.

In a letter to President Elect Joe Biden, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, American Federation of Teachers, and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees say Fudge is uniquely qualified for the role.

The unions say Fudge is an advocate for all workers, including meat processing workers and has urged USDA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to strengthen workplace protections for them during the pandemic.

Fudge, who currently serves as chair of the House Ag Subcommittee on Nutrition, would be the first Black woman to serve as agriculture secretary.

The unions say the USDA has a history of discriminating against minority farmers and Fudge will address those issues and “restore integrity to the agency.”