The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a decision in OSHA Complaint No. 2240262, made by technicians in the REI SoHo bike and ski shop on December 5, 2024. All eight workers employed in the REI SoHo bike and ski shop have been out on a health and safety strike since December 4, 2024, after REI removed personal protective equipment previously supplied by the company from the bike and ski shop without providing any evidence to support their assertion that the work environment is safe to perform ski work in without respirators. OSHA has shockingly determined that the evidence provided by REI is sufficient and does not warrant further investigation by the agency. The RWDSU will be contesting this decision and joins with the New York Committee for Occupational Safety & Health (NYCOSH) in calling for a new air quality test to be performed by a qualified industrial hygienist testing for the three chemicals used during ski tune work – metal grip, emulsion, and low density polyethylene. 

“We are backing Ken because he understands that working people are the backbone of the Democratic Party. Without the support of working people, there is no Democratic Party. Ken Martin has stood on our picket lines, and understands the underlying issues that are crucial to people who struggle to make a living each day. He will commit to making our party the party for working people again. Ken Martin has our full support and votes for DNC Chair.”

Today, the USDA released two studies on the impact of line speeds on poultry and swine workers; emphasizing increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome and other crippling upper extremity disorders to workers. Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), which represents over 15,000 poultry workers at facilities across the southern United States, as well as meatpacking and processing workers in other parts of the country issued the following statement.

Congratulations to RWDSU Local 379 members at Autoneum in Toledo, Ohio! This week, the workers voted overwhelmingly to ratify a strong new three-year agreement. The new contract includes large wage increases and bonuses, along with improved non-economic and vacation language and no increases for company healthcare.