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.

Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), recently introduced the American Protein Processing Modernization Act, which would provide a permanent framework to increase poultry and pork line speeds, a clear danger to workers and America’s food supply. 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:

Lawmakers in Washington, D.C., have pushed through a sweeping bill that promises to “streamline the economy” and “cut red tape.” But behind the catchy slogans and grandstanding, the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” poses serious threats to everyday working people. Across our industries RWDSU members, their families and communities will be impacted.

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a series of historic reforms into law as part of New York State’s FY26 Enacted Budget—reforms that represent a major step forward for workers’ rights and economic stability across the state. These changes are especially significant for RWDSU members, who will benefit directly from new protections and long-overdue support measures.