Today, Local 108 of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) announced its endorsement of a powerhouse slate of Democratic candidates for the upcoming June 2, 2026 election. The union is throwing its full support behind Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. for County Executive, Wilson Pichardo for County Commissioner (District 1), and Christine McGrath, Abdur Yasin, Shawn Klein, and Wayne Richardson for County Commissioner At-Large. RWDSU Local 108 members work in grocery, retail, warehousing, healthcare, transport, airport operations, public service sectors and other key industries in New Jersey, with many living and working in the county.

“RWDSU Local 108 is proud to stand with leaders who have a proven track record of delivering for working families and strengthening the infrastructure of Essex County,” said Charles N. Hall, Jr., President of RWDSU Local 108. “From revitalizing our public spaces to ensuring fiscal stability and championing labor rights, this slate represents the experience and dedication our members need in county government.

“Our members live and work in every corner of this county. They deserve representatives like this entire team, which includes leaders who understand that a strong Essex County starts with a strong and supported workforce. We look forward to mobilizing our membership to ensure their victory on June 2.”

The endorsed candidates bring a diverse range of expertise and a shared commitment to the labor movement:

• Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. (County Executive, 1C): Has transformed Essex County into a model of efficient government, raising bond ratings to record highs while modernizing the historic courthouse, the Government Complex, and the legendary Essex County Parks System.
  • Labor Partnership: Has maintained a strong, collaborative relationship with Essex County’s public sector unions for over 20 years, consistently crediting union workers for the county’s fiscal and infrastructure turnaround.
  • Capital Projects: Under his leadership, the county has prioritized Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on major renovations, ensuring that the modernization of the Government Complex and county parks is performed by highly skilled, union labor.
• Wilson A. Pichardo, Esq. (Commissioner, District 1, 1D): A Newark native and attorney deeply committed to community mentorship and educational initiatives. As a District Leader, he has been a tireless advocate for the residents of the North Ward.
  • Workforce Advocacy: As an attorney, he has focused on advocating for community-led initiatives that include vocational training and career pathways for Newark residents.
  • Contractor Accountability: Committed to ensuring that county-funded projects in the North Ward utilize local labor and adhere to fair wage standards.
• Wayne L. Richardson (Commissioner At-Large, 6E): A veteran of the labor movement, Richardson serves as a Business Agent for Laborers Local 108 and has spent his career fighting for fair wages and safe working conditions.
  • Lifetime Labor Leader: He is a cornerstone of the Essex County labor community, currently serving as the Manager of Strategic Relationships for the Laborers and previously holding roles as Business Agent for Local 108 and President of Local 55.
  • Apprenticeship Champion: Founded Pathways to Apprenticeship New Jersey, a program specifically designed to move Essex County residents from underserved communities into middle-class union careers.
• Abdur Yasin (Commissioner At-Large, 4E): A Fire Captain and labor relations expert who has dedicated his life to public safety and emergency medical services.
  • Public Sector Expert: Beyond his role as a Fire Captain, he has served in leadership capacities for the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (NJFMBA), the state’s largest firefighter union.
  • Labor Educator: Teaches graduate-level courses at Rutgers on collective bargaining and public personnel management, bringing a deep academic and practical understanding of union negotiations to the Board.
• Christine McGrath (Commissioner At-Large, 3E): A two-term Councilwoman with a focus on government transparency, public safety, and food insecurity.
  • Advocate for Fairness: On the Verona Town Council, she has consistently supported transparent budgeting that protects the benefits and working conditions of municipal employees.
  • Inclusive Economy: Her platform emphasizes expanding access to "Gun Sense" safe workplaces and ensuring that county economic development includes strong worker protections.
• Shawn Klein (Commissioner At-Large, 5E): A former Mayor and Councilman who has successfully implemented green energy initiatives and maintained fiscal responsibility.
  • Prevailing Wage Supporter: During his tenure in Livingston, he oversaw infrastructure projects that respected prevailing wage laws and supported the use of unionized trades for municipal improvements.
  • Green Jobs: Focuses on the "green economy" as a vehicle for new, high-paying union jobs in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.

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The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) represents 100,000 members throughout the United States, including 15,000 in New Jersey. The RWDSU is affiliated with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW). For more information, please visit our website at www.rwdsu.org, Facebook:/RWDSU.UFCW Twitter:@RWDSU, Instagram: @rwdsustrong.