If you want more information about organizing your workplace or you want to get involved in one of the RWDSU's organizing campaigns, click here to send e-mail to the Union.   

A union voice can make a real difference

Working people turn to unions to protect their rights, improve their working conditions, pay and benefits, and to give them security on the job. Union representation means having someone who will stand up for your interests at work. It means having a voice, a way to say to your boss that the concerns of workers are every bit as important as the company's bottom line.

How Do Unions Do All This?

It's really pretty simple. Unions negotiate contracts with employers that spell out wages, benefits and working conditions. By bringing workers together, unions have the strength to often improve wages and conditions dramatically. Unions also provide workers with representation when dealing with the boss. If a unionized worker feels he or she has been treated unfairly, they can turn to the union for help.

How Do You Form A Union?

You may not realize it, but you've already taken the first step. If you think you and your co-workers would benefit from having someone stand up for you at your workplace, just fill in the form below. We'll be happy to get you more information about the union and what you can do to bring the benefits of having a union to your workplace. All contacts are kept strictly confidential.

Read About Workers Who Have Won an RWDSU Voice 

The Union DIfference

“I have worked as a cashier at Footco for over 4 years. We organized with RWDSU and won  a union contract. I got a big raise, a higher rate for cashier work, paid vacation and sick days, free health insurance and job security. Now that we have the Union, management listens to us and respects us.”

Christina Echeverry, Footco, New York City

“I have worked in other non-union stores, but I would never go back. Through the Union, I have guaranteed raises, protected commission rates, and benefits for me and my family.  Most of all, because of the Union contract, I can speak up, be respected and be heard. I’m a proud longtime member of RWDSU and I invite all of you to join us.”

Carrie Nathan, Macy's, New York City

   “ Before, we had no say in the way things were done. Now, we have a process in place to speak our minds, and we know that our jobs are secure, and it's a great feeling.”

-Eric Arrington, Alatrade Poultry, Alabama

 “Favoritism was a big problem here and one of the reasons we wanted a union voice. They played the game of giving promotions and raises to certain people, and not others, depending upon how chummy they were with them. Quality of performance didn’t seem to factor into it much.”

 -Matt Shepherd, Cole’s Quality Foods, Iowa

"Before, we were working for less than minimum wage, with no overtime or benefits. Since we got our first contract, we are getting overtime pay, paid vacation and sick days, and most importantly, we are guaranteed 40 hours a week”

-Jonathan Cartagena, YRB clothing, New York City

“Even in tough economic times, when working people stick together they can protect what they have and even increase their wages and benefits."

-Jeanne Bock, Gerber/Nestle, Michigan

“It’s going to be better with a union because we have more rights now. We have the right to speak up and know that we will be heard."

-Carmin Rodriguez, YRB clothing, New York City

 "It's a sense of belonging, and of working together with your fellow workers for the betterment of everyone."

-Diane Ryan, Ontario

RWDSU members discuss the union difference