As the holiday shopping season is underway, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), issued the following statement urging workers be treated with dignity and respect from in-store shopping to e-commerce warehousing, from farm to table and everything in between: “The holiday season has always been a time of great pressure on retail workers. This year, that pressure is compounded by new challenges. Soaring economic uncertainty, aggressive use of AI in scheduling and inventory, continued issues of theft and violence, and shrinking seasonal hiring despite rising demand have created a perfect storm for workers. While retailers and shoppers brace for tariffs and supply chain issues, it’s frontline workers who absorb the stress and danger. Retail workers are not to blame, and they must not be left unprotected…

On July 1, RWDSU Local 338 members at Duane Reade voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new contract. Bargaining alongside Workers United Local 340A, RWDSU members faced months of little to no movement at the bargaining table. As rumors swirled about a hedge fund looking to buy Duane Reade’s parent company, Walgreens, members stayed united and focused on winning the contract they deserve. By bravely sharing their personal stories, members pushed management to finally move at the table.

Today, the RWDSU commemorates the implementation of the Retail Worker Safety Act (RWSA), effective June 4, 2025. This landmark legislation, championed by RWDSU, introduces critical safety measures to protect retail workers across the state.