Laurel, MD – At a press conference in Laurel on August 14, 2023, UFCW Local 1994, UFCW Local 400, Life After Release, and CASA in Action endorsed Laurel City Councilmember At-Large Martin Mitchell in his bid to become Laurel City’s next mayor.

The unions cited Mitchell’s support of working families and his help in trying to gain collective bargaining rights for Laurel’s Department of Public Works employees in their endorsement.

Since he was sworn in as a council member at large in 2021, Councilmember Mitchell has been a tireless advocate for workers’ rights in Laurel City. He has worked alongside city Department of Public Works employees over the last eight months while they have fought to win their collective bargaining rights. He has also worked with UFCW Local 1994 to mobilize public support for the workers’ campaign and he has sought passage of Charter Resolution 178, granting the employees the right to collectively bargain.

“It’s my belief that all workers should have the unrestricted ability to collectively organize and have a seat at the table with their employer,” said UFCW Local 1994 President Gino Renne. “It’s also my belief that politicians, particularly Democrats, should not deny workers this access. Martin Mitchell believes that as well. So much so that he has been at the forefront of getting the city’s labor code amended to give the employees at Laurel City’s Department of Public Works, what I believe to be a human right, the right to organize and join a Union.”

“Martin Mitchell is a champion of the people. He has shown time and again he is willing to stand on the side of justice even when it is challenging personally and professionally,” said Gustavo Torres, CASA in Action Board President. “Martin Mitchell has earned CASA in Action’s endorsement because of his ambitious plan for housing and economic justice for families across Laurel.”

CASA in Action and Life After Release cited Mitchell’s progressive agenda to stabilize rents in the area, and his work to improve tenant rights. He also advocated for transit-oriented development mutual aid projects.

“We are proud to stand here alongside our sister union UFCW 1994, CASA in Action, and others to endorse Councilmember Martin Mitchell for Mayor,” said Kayla Mock, UFCW Local 400 political and legislative director. “In his role as a city councilmember, Councilmember Mitchell always advocated for the rights of workers to collectively bargain, for the fair and equitable enactment of cannabis laws that included workers, and for rent stabilization. We are excited to see his work continue as the next Mayor of Laurel.”