Andrea Zinder: Sister, Leader & Friend

UFCW Family,

It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of our sister, Andrea Zinder, President, UFCW Local 324, International VP from Region 8. A friend to many and sister, in unity, to all. 

A colleague and friend for over 25 years, Andrea was my role model, my guide, and often my source of strength. Her professionalism, her advocacy, and her unwavering leadership shaped not only my path, but the path of countless others. She showed us what it means to fight for working people and she taught us to keep one another lifted along the way. 

Andrea was a brilliant union leader, a fierce advocate and a beloved mentor; she understood the power of women’s leadership. In 1988, Andrea was a part of the founding convention of the UFCW Women’s Network in Colorado. She served in several roles with the Women’s Network over the years and even when she made room for other women to follow in her footsteps, she continued to always be huge supporter. 

Decades later, in 2024, she led the welcome in Costa Mesa for our 15th Convention. I remember how proud she was that her local could host such a meaningful gathering in Southern California. During the Convention delegates took time out to rallied with her at a Food 4 Less grocery store.

She not only believed in the mission of the Women’s Network, but she also lived it—always ready to lend a hand, to share advice, or to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us on the picket line.

In a field too often dominated by men, Andrea rose through the ranks with determination, grace, and strength. She not only held her ground—she exceeded every expectation. At the bargaining table, Andrea was fearless yet wise. She stood firm and pushed back even when others were backing down. Her compass was always clear: the well-being of UFCW members came first. Every decision, every negotiation, every rally she led was rooted in the mission of improving lives and building dignity for working families.

Though we mourn her passing deeply, and her loss to our UFCW family will be profound, together we will keep her spirit alive-every time we bargain, every time we march, every time we choose solidarity. Rest in power, President Zinder. Your work lives on in all of us.

https://ufcw324.org/ufcw-324-mourns-the-unexpected-passing-of-president-andrea-zinder/
 

                 In Solidarity,
                 Deliana Speights

International Chair, UFCW Women’s Network