“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.

Overnight, there was an explosion at Tyson’s Camilla, Georgia poultry plant represented by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). Stuart Appelbaum, President of the RWDSU, which represents over 15,000 poultry workers at facilities across the southern United States and Edgar Fields, President of the Southeast Council of the RWDSU, issued the following joint statement:

Workers at Barnes & Noble unionized stores in New York City organized with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), rallied with fellow New York City unionized bookstore workers including workers from McNally Jackson represented by RWDSU Local 1102, the Strand in Union Square who are members of UAW 2179, and Barnes & Noble workers from Hadley, Massachusetts, who are members of UFCW 1459, to demand the company reach a contract by the end of 2024. As the holiday shopping season gets underway, workers were joined by unionized bookstore workers to raise industry standards for all. They were also joined by union members from across the city, labor allies, advocacy and community groups, and concerned shoppers.