“RWDSU members at Macy’s are covered under a collective bargaining agreement. Two weeks ago we negotiated historic provisions for workers that expire on April 1st. Critically it included plans to negotiate future terms, which we are still doing. Macy's needs to do much more for its employees than what they have announced so far -- and we are pushing them to do that. They will be judged in the future by how they treat their employees now," said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). 

Dear RWDSU Local 1-S members, We are going through unprecedented times as the whole nation deals with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many RWDSU members have been laid off and are out of work. Others continue to work in such essential industries as health care and nursing homes, supermarkets, drug stores and food processing. Everybody is worried about their own safety as well as the safety of their families, friends and communities. During these times, the union has been working hard to ensure the safety of our workers and advocating on your behalf with employers and government to ensure safer working conditions, paid time off, paid sick leave, paid family leave, faster access to unemployment insurance, and working to ensure our immigrant workers are not forgotten in relief efforts. We also have been pulling together a list of resources that could be helpful to those of you navigating government benefits and are looking for additional resources to help tide you over. On the RWDSU website you can now find a special COVID-19 section where we will continue to post information on COVID-19, resources and aid you may be eligible for, as well as connect you to government benefits and job openings in your state. You can access this page at the top of our website too. The union is here to help. Please reach out to your union representative if you need additional guidance on what is happening at your workplace and what benefits are available to you. Additionally, our international President Stuart Appelbaum has recorded a video message for members.      May you and your family be safe, RWDSU Local 1-S President Angella Harding