New Jersey stands at a crossroads this November in choosing their next Governor, facing challenges ranging from an affordability crisis, continued economic recovery post-pandemic, environmental sustainability, to education funding reform. In this pivotal moment, Mikie Sherrill offers leadership, vision, and experience that New Jersey needs to move forward and navigate these diverse challenges. A former Navy helicopter pilot and a two-term Congresswoman representing New Jersey’s 11th district, Sherrill has demonstrated her commitment to bipartisan action – the kind of leadership we need in our state.

As September began, RWDSU Local 1102 members working in food service returned from a well-deserved summer break to greet students heading back to classrooms across districts, high schools, and universities. To mark the start of the new academic year, Local 1102 hosted Welcome Back Meetings with members on campuses. These gatherings provided an important space to reconnect, share updates, and highlight the essential work members do each day. They also offered the opportunity to review new benefits, answer questions, and ensure the year began on a strong note.

RWDSU Local 21 joined thousands at the Healing Appalachia music festival this September, raising awareness and connecting people in recovery with resources and opportunities. The annual event brings music and community together to support those impacted by addiction across the Appalachian region and Local 21 was proud to be part of it showing the community in recovery how a union can be part of that support system.

On September 9–10, RWDSU members at TreeHouse Foods in Farmers Branch, Texas took an important step forward by exercising language in their collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The TreeHouse CBA includes a provision requiring training for stewards and supervisors, conducted by the Federal Mediation Conciliation Services (FMCS), with the company covering costs and lost wages. But in practice, this clause has not recently been regularly utilized. This year, the RWDSU Tennessee District Council made sure that changed. With FMCS unable to provide the training under the current administration, the National Mediation Conciliation Services (NMCS) stepped in.