RWDSU Joins Coalition to “Pack the Capitol” on Opening Day of Georgia Legislative Session

RWDSU joined hundreds of advocates at the Georgia State Capitol on January 12, 2026, for the opening day of the legislative session, standing alongside the ACLU of Georgia and a broad coalition of community organizations to press lawmakers on priorities for working families. The “Pack the Capitol” mobilization made clear that workers, civil rights advocates, and grassroots groups plan to remain visible and engaged throughout the 40-day session.

Union members stood with faith leaders, educators, housing advocates, and immigrant-rights organizations to underscore that this session cannot be treated as business as usual amid rising costs, healthcare gaps, and ongoing threats to democratic participation. Speakers emphasized that lawmakers’ decisions will directly impact workers, students, and families across the state.

A central focus of the day was Medicaid expansion and access to affordable healthcare. Advocates highlighted the coverage gap facing many low-wage workers in retail, food service, and warehouses, with RWDSU members sharing stories of delayed care, skipped medications, and mounting medical debt. Coalition partners also stressed the importance of expansion for rural hospitals and communities of color.

Calls for livable wages echoed throughout the Capitol as advocates urged lawmakers to move beyond Georgia’s minimum wage and toward stronger labor standards and the right to organize. The coalition tied wage justice to rising housing, childcare, and healthcare costs, arguing that full-time work should guarantee stability, not poverty.

Education funding and affordable housing rounded out the agenda, with organizers calling for well-resourced public schools and policies that address surging rents, displacement, and tenant protections. RWDSU members emphasized that wage gains must be matched with housing stability to ensure dignity for working families.

By mobilizing on day one, RWDSU and our partners sent a clear message: they will monitor legislation, meet with lawmakers, and mobilize throughout the 2026 session in pursuit of a Georgia where healthcare is accessible, wages are livable, schools are strong, and housing is within reach.