(l to r) Fred Jimenez, RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum, Health and Safety Director Steve Mooser, Recorder Amelia Tucker, Regional Director Randy Belliel, and Michigan Lt. Gov. John Cherry.

Over 200 RWDSU leaders from West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, and New York met in Novi, Michigan, for the union's annual Six-State Conference on October 3-4.  The conference focused on training to help make the RWDSU an even more effective voice for workers both on the job and in the community. Special attention was given to the union's efforts to make workplaces safer and the RWDSU's 2008 political action program.

The employees of Super 8 hotel in North Bay, Ontario, have voted to join the RWDSU Northern Joint Council. The new Local 545 members, housekeepers, maintenance staff, and front desk employees, won a union voice through election.

RWDSU organizers have talked with Super 8 employees before, but the organizing drive started to gather steam earlier this year when there was a change in ownership at the hotel.

Activists rally in front of Yellow Rat Bastard in February. 

Workers at urban youth fashion retail chain Yellow Rat Bastard have joined the RWDSU, continuing on a path to a union contract that they have sought for three years. The 160 workers joined the RWDSU via a card check recognition on October 3.

Read the latest issue of the RWDSU Record. This issue examines the 2008 Presidential election and the candidates' stands on issues important to working people.

The 315 RWDSU Local 1102 members working at Forest and Brook Corp. in Hauppauge, New York have ratified a new, five-year contract. The agreement raises wages and improves the health care plan, adding additional coverage for workers. Forest and Brook Corp. produces sandwiches and other prepared foods for 7-11 stores, lunch trucks, and other outlets.

Over 500 workers employed at the Alatrade poultry plant in Phoenix City, Alabama will soon enjoy the dignity, respect, protections and benefits that come with a union contract. The workers at the Phoenix City plant join 1,800 other workers represented by the RWDSU at three other Alatrade plants.