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RWDSU Power in Action: Energy, Solidarity, and Strategy Mark Opening of the 25th Convention

From across the country, delegates, leaders, and guests gathered with a shared, unmistakable purpose: to bolster the collective strength of the RWDSU and forge a path forward.

Combining rich history with a sharp focus on organizing and worker power, Day 1 of the 25th Convention set an energized stage for a transformative week of union democracy.

“Our union is not some abstraction. It is a living thing... Real power. Union power. RWDSU Power!” 

— Stuart Appelbaum, RWDSU President

Opening the morning session of the historic 25th Convention, RWDSU Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Dorismond set an inspiring tone for the days ahead. Welcoming delegates to a major milestone in the union's history, Dorismond reminded the hall that the union’s strength lies in its core commitment to respect, equity, and collective action.

"Be proud, be loud, and let them know," Dorismond urged the crowd, setting off a wave of enthusiasm that carried throughout the opening day.

— Joseph Dorismond, RWDSU Secretary-Treasurer

Faith, Culture, and the Voice of Essential Workers

The morning session opened on a high note, deeply rooted in community, faith, and the unstoppable spirit of essential workers.

  • Voices from the Frontlines: Michael "Big Mike" Foster (Local 932), a poultry plant worker who became a national advocate for PPE and hazard pay during the pandemic, delivered an uplifting morning invocation.

  • Democracy & Song: Delegate Aviette Embry delivered a moving performance of the National Anthem, setting the stage for a message on protecting worker freedom.

  • Cultural Activism: The energy reached a crescendo when The Fruit of Labor – a musical ensemble of member-activists – brought the floor to its feet with a high-octane blend of blues, hip-hop, and salsa.

President’s Address: Historic Victories & New Frontiers

As the classic strike anthem "Won't Back Down" rang through the hall, RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum delivered a sweeping President’s Report, reflecting on the union's enduring legacy and celebrating four years of historic achievements.

Appelbaum charted the union's historic resilience—from surviving World War II and civil rights struggles to navigating the COVID-19 pandemic—before diving into a record-breaking four years of contract wins:

  • Record Pay & Protections: Landmark wage increases across food processing, manufacturing, and southern poultry plants, as well as historic pay hikes at retail staples like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and H&M.

  • Expanding the Footprint: Triumphs in new sectors and companies, including first-time union agreements for booksellers at Barnes & Noble, cannabis facilities, and healthcare.

  • Facing the Future: Appelbaum issued a firm warning against workplace automation and AI displacement, declaring, "Progress in automation must never come at the expense of human welfare."

In a powerful moment of unity, delegates unanimously passed Resolution #1: Honoring the RWDSU, formally recommitting to the core values of respect, equity, and inclusion that have defined the union since its 1937 charter.

Afternoon Session: Organizing as the Lifeblood of the Union

The afternoon shifted focus to strategy, guest perspectives, and the core engine of the labor movement: organizing.

Following a dynamic, member-led TikTok video and the formal adoption of convention rules, the floor welcomed featured guests including former Atlanta Mayor and Democratic Nominee for Georgia Governor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, UFCW International President Milton Jones, and legal advocate Janet Herold, who addressed ongoing legal battles against prison labor in Alabama with the RWDSU.

The defining moment of the afternoon came during the Organizing Committee report which included a video on our recent Barnes & Noble wins, and a panel led by Organizing Director Sadatu Mamah-Trawill. President Appelbaum underscored the existential imperative of growth:

"Organizing is a top priority for our union. Always has been. All of us know that if we don’t organize, we die... We take risks. We go where other unions don’t have the stomach to go."

— Stuart Appelbaum, RWDSU President

Lenore Miller Award

Rounding out the day, the union presented the prestigious Lenore Miller Award, named yeast ago for our recently passed President Emeritus, to Guerline Jozef of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, honoring her tireless work for human rights and immigrant advocacy.

Looking Ahead

Day 1 proved that the foundation of the RWDSU is strong, adaptive, and ready for the future. As committees present and business continues into the week, the message from the floor is clear: Be proud, be loud, and bring the power.

  • Get Involved: Share your photos, videos, and stories on social media using #RWDSUPower!

  • Tomorrow: We’ll be taking the official RWDSU Convention Panorama Photo, be sure to be in the hall in your union gear!

  • Thursday: at 6pm, we will be holding the Celebrate the RWDSU Reception & Dinner which will begin in the Citron Ballroom Foyer. Admission tickets will be given out during the Thursday general session of the convention.

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