A project explored and addressed the communication barriers to union participation of stewards and members of the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union (ACTWU). A questionnaire was developed and distributed to over 300 ACTWU members; 153 responded. Other commitments and communication skills were identified as key barriers to greater participation in the union. The English program courses were held at a plant that experienced a temporary layoff and at two side-by-side plants. Almost all members who signed up were speakers of English as a second language. Thirty-five needs assessment interviews were completed for the two courses; 28 participants were selected. With the exception of one Portuguese speaker, all learners were either Chinese or Vietnamese. A 35-hour communication skills course had 7 participants. The project showed that members demonstrated an interest in two alternative basic skills delivery models: an intensive day course for temporarily laid-off members and a course after work 2 days per week for employed members. Twenty-five members improved their basic English skills in three areas: participating in their union, performing their jobs, and everyday life. The project showed that unions have an essential role in helping their members access learner-centered communication skills training. (Appendixes include preliminary networking and research, questionnaire with response totals, and questionnaire respondents by first language group.) (YLB)