diff --git a/changelog.d/6509.bugfix b/changelog.d/6509.bugfix
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..7f95da52c9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changelog.d/6509.bugfix
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Fix pusher worker failing because it can't retrieve retention policies for rooms.
diff --git a/synapse/storage/data_stores/main/room.py b/synapse/storage/data_stores/main/room.py
index 0148be20d3..aa476d0fbf 100644
--- a/synapse/storage/data_stores/main/room.py
+++ b/synapse/storage/data_stores/main/room.py
@@ -46,6 +46,11 @@ RatelimitOverride = collections.namedtuple(
 
 
 class RoomWorkerStore(SQLBaseStore):
+    def __init__(self, database: Database, db_conn, hs):
+        super(RoomWorkerStore, self).__init__(database, db_conn, hs)
+
+        self.config = hs.config
+
     def get_room(self, room_id):
         """Retrieve a room.