Chicago – May 13, 2025 – After more than four decades of labour activism, Marc Perrone has announced his retirement as International President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW). Perrone was elected International President in December 2014. His leadership marked a decade of bold activism focused on uplifting the voices of rank-and-file members and strengthening the UFCW’s organizing, bargaining, and political efforts.

Under Perrone’s guidance, the UFCW restructured its financial strategies to build union power at the bargaining table and beyond, benefiting 1.2 million members across the U.S. and Canada. A lifelong advocate for economic justice, Perrone consistently emphasized that real union strength lies in the power and unity of its members.

“As I step down from my role as International President of the UFCW, I am filled with gratitude and pride. I started off as a grocery clerk in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, over 50 years ago and it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve our 1.2 million members as International President,” says Perrone. “I want to thank each and every one of our members for allowing me the privilege to serve. Our collective efforts have laid a strong foundation for the UFCW to continue to empower our members and workers everywhere.”

Following Perrone’s retirement, UFCW International Secretary-Treasurer Milton Jones was elected as the new International President. Jones brings more than 45 years of union membership and over 33 years of service in leadership roles within the International Union.

“I am deeply honored to have been elected as the International President of the UFCW. 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, Alabama,” says newly-elected UFCW International President Milton Jones. “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.”

“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 adds. “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.”

With his election, Jones makes history as the first Black president of the UFCW International Union. He brings to the role a deep commitment to worker empowerment, solidarity, and equity.

As part of this leadership transition, UFCW Canada National President Shawn Haggerty has been elected as the new International Secretary-Treasurer. Brother Haggerty brings decades of advocacy for Canadian workers to the international stage, and his election represents a historic moment for UFCW Canada: this is the first time a Canadian will serve in this role for the UFCW International.

“Marc Perrone’s decades of dedication have shaped a stronger and more unified union across North America,” Haggerty said. “On behalf of UFCW Canada, I thank him for his remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to our members. I’m honoured to step into the role of International Secretary-Treasurer and look forward to working closely with International President Jones. Together, we will build on our shared vision to strengthen cross-border solidarity and ensure that, even amid the challenges of an ongoing trade war, working families in both Canada and the United States come out on top.”

UFCW Canada also congratulates Lisa Pedersen in joining the new leadership team with her election as Executive Vice President; Sister Pederson brings many years of activism and advocacy for workers to this role.

This new leadership team opens a new chapter for the UFCW—continuing the union’s mission to uplift and protect working families across industries and borders.