FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 1, 2025
Contact: Chelsea Connor | cconnor@rwdsu.org | 347-866-6259
RWDSU PRESIDENT STUART APPELBAUM ENDORSES FREEDOM PLAZA DEVELOPMENT, CITING HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR UNION JOBS AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
(NEW YORK, NY) – Today, Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), announced his endorsement of the Soloviev and Mohegan Freedom Plaza development, calling it, “one of the most significant opportunities in a generation to create good, union jobs for working New Yorkers.”
“This project isn’t just about job numbers or housing units – it’s about long-term impact, equity, and economic strength,” said Appelbaum. “Freedom Plaza will create tens of thousands of good union jobs and deliver real affordable housing, childcare, and public space that working families can depend on. That’s why I am proud to stand in support of this transformative project.”
Highlights of the development plan include:
25,900 union construction jobs and 13,400 permanent union jobs, with strong wages and benefits;
MOUs signed with 31 labor unions and workforce development partners;
Over 1,000 new housing units, with more than 500 permanently affordable apartments;
A new 4.77-acre public park, childcare center, food market, and ground-floor retail to serve the community;
Nearly $1 billion in annual tax revenue to fund essential public services.
As a longtime East Side resident, Appelbaum added:
“I’ve lived in New York most of my life. I’ve seen developments come and go. Some have benefited working people. Others have only displaced them. Freedom Plaza is different. It reflects our values – equity, inclusion, solidarity, and opportunity. It means good union jobs. It’s the kind of project New Yorkers deserve.”
About RWDSU:
The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) represents tens of thousands of workers in a wide range of industries, including retail, food service, healthcare, and manufacturing. The union is committed to fighting for dignity, economic justice, and safe, fair workplaces for all.
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The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) represents 100,000 members throughout the United States. The RWDSU is affiliated with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW). For more information, please visit our website at www.rwdsu.org, Facebook:/RWDSU.UFCW Twitter:@RWDSU.