Why Join RWU?

  • Are you a rail worker, retiree, or family member in USA, Canada, or Mexico?

  • Want to unite crafts and unions?

  • Believe in active involvement and negotiation strength?

  • Seek genuine safety programs and stronger alliances?

  • Prefer a single industrial union?

    If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then you need to consider joining RWU!

Full memberships are also available for spouses, significant others or family members of railroaders as well as for retirees. "Solidarity Membership" is available to others outside of the railroad industry but are supportive of RWU's goals and objectives, usually those in related or auxiliary industries. Solidarity Members have voice but no vote and cannot hold office.

Get Involved with RWU

Once you join Railroad Workers United, we hope you choose to actively take part in the various activities of the organization.

Distribute RWU Materials

RWU maintains an information packed website where you can find RWU materials, available for download. Some of this literature is enclosed in this packet. We encourage you as a member to check them out. Please print and make copies of them for distribution in your workplace. These materials currently include our "Statement of Principles", Membership Application Forms, articles explaining the organization, RWU promotional stickers, posters, and a number of bi-fold flyers explaining our campaigns and efforts.

Take Part in RWU Committees

RWU has a number of standing committees including: organizing, newsletter, website, social media, whistleblower, safety, etc. We establish special committees as the need arises. Please consider serving on one or more RWU Committees.

Take Part the Local RWU Chapter

Build/Support Your Local RWU Chapter. RWU is in the process of building local Chapters where we have backing. Please lend your support to this vital aspect of building RWU if you live in an area where an RWU Chapter exists. Perhaps you will be able to assist in building a chapter in your terminal. Let us know how we can help.

Read the Weekly e-Newsletter

If you are not already on these important list serves, please take part. The “RWU News & Information” list is open to all railroad workers (excluding management), while the “RWU Current Members” list is reserved for those who have joined RWU. Both are invaluable sources of information about what the rail industry, rail labor, and RWU are all up to.

Help Distribute the Newsletter.

RWU publishes The Highball four times a year. We have built a network of members and supporters across North America to distribute the newsletter each issue. Please assist RWU in this important effort. It is a great way to spread the word of RWU, its goals, campaigns and other activities. You can print your own copies from the on-line PDF or consider ordering a bundle of 10, 25, or more each issue.

Participate in RWU Campaigns

Take Part in RWU Campaigns. Our goal is to mobilize union members across North America to take action on important issues. Currently, RWU is engaged in a number of campaigns, please see our Home Page and check the drop-down menu CAMPAIGNS for more details about all RWU Campaigns.

Purchase RWU Merchandise

Visit the RWU store for a handsome T-shirt with the RWU logo in four colors on a Black or Gray 100% cotton, union-made-in-the-USA shirts. We also sell ball caps in Black, Stone, or Red with the RWU logo embroidered on the front. In addition, you can order additional lapel/hat pins, as well as stickers, buttons, books, koozies, knit hats, patches, CDs, and DVDs. RWU members get a 25% discount of most all items. Ordering on-line, make sure to use the Discount Code in order to get your discount. Please purchase these items as they come available and support RWU.

Make a Contribution to RWU

RWU relies on member support but keeps dues low. Consider extra donation to general fund or specific campaigns. For tax deduction, donate to the 501c3 sister organization, RWF. Some opt to be "RWU Sustainers" with monthly small donations.

Attend the Biennial Convention

Attend the RWU Biennial Convention and consider Serving on the RWU International Steering Committee. At each biennial RWU Convention, we discuss resolutions, debate policy, and consider constitutional changes. We elect a Steering Committee to guide the organization for the next couple years. We want as broad and diverse a leadership possible. Consider throwing your hat into the ring! Next Convention is 2026, in Chicago, IL.

Sign Up Your Co-Workers

Help build the RWU membership. Download the RWU membership application and distribute to your fellow workers who show an interest in RWU. Explain to them why they should join. If you like, forward us their names and contact info and we will get in touch with them.

Thank You for Taking Part!

Please feel free to contact RWU anytime, by phone or email. And make a point to check out the website periodically at www.railroadworkersunited.org. At some point, a member of the Organizing Committee will give you a call and we can talk further about the rail labor unity movement and how you can take part. We look forward to working together with you to build a strong, unified, and democratic union movement on the rails of North America.