WNYLaborToday News - National Labor News

The Writers Guild Of America 'Files A Lawsuit To Block' The Paramount-Warner Brothers Discovery Merger

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA & NEW YORK CITY) - The Writers Guild of America East and Writers Guild of America West (jointly WGA), have filed suit to block the proposed merger of Paramount Skydance and Warner Brothers Discovery on the grounds that it violates Federal Anti-Trust Law and would cause specific harm to Writers.

“With fewer competitors, the merged Paramount-Warner Brothers entity would have both the incentive and the ability to lower costs by suppressing Writers’ wages and reducing output. Writers will be paid less and have fewer employment opportunities,” the WGA complaint states.

The complaint details how the merger would reduce opportunities, lower pay and worsen working conditions for writers.

The elimination of a key competitor and the creation of a new dominant firm would result in reduction in the quantity and variety of theatrical films and television series as the merged company would have a greater ability to reduce output, the Union said.

Furthermore, the complaint asserts that merger would increase the ability for the few remaining companies to tacitly coordinate to further suppress competition for Writers’ work, it added.

WGAW President Michele Mulroney said: “If Paramount succeeds in buying Warner Brothers, the merged firm will be the largest buyer of original film and television programming in the United States. This would eliminate competition in an already consolidated industry, threatening the livelihoods of Entertainment Workers and the creative diversity of TV and film. We applaud the dozen state Attorneys General who have stepped up to enforce our antitrust laws and are proud to file suit alongside them.”

Since Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery was announced, the WGA has raised awareness about this threat to State Attorney General Offices and Federal Legislators, submitted comments to Regulatory Agencies and Congress, and participated in press events as part of a Coalition of Democracy and Arts Organizations.

The WGA complaint focuses on the anti-competitive effects of the merger in three markets for writing services: Anticipated top grossing films; Episodic television and streaming series; and Overall deals.

WGAE President Tom Fontana said: “The Writers Guild of America will not stand idly by as Paramount attempts to violate our country’s Anti-Trust Laws and deepen the contraction Entertainment Workers already feel. This proposed combined entity would be the largest employer of Writers, with tremendous power to suppress our wages, eliminate opportunities for emerging Writers, cut jobs across the industry, and produce less programming, affecting the range of storytelling. This merger is not inevitable and we are fighting to stop it.”

The WGA has also publicly opposed the recent mergers of Disney-Fox, Amazon-MGM, AT&T-Time Warner, and Comcast-Time Warner Cable, among others.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: WGA Files Lawsuit to Block Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger | Press Room

Michigan Republicans 'Vote To Strip Child Labor Protections'

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(LANSING, MICHIGAN) - In a blatant move that puts corporate profits far ahead of children’s safety, Michigan House Republicans have passed legislation that would gut the State’s Youth Work Permit System before it even takes full effect.

House Bill 5727, sponsored by Republican Representative Mike Hoadley, would eliminate the requirement for minors to obtain work permits - both the current school-issued permits and the new State-issued system are set to go into effect on October 2nd.

Instead, the bosses would simply verify a child’s age themselves, essentially creating a system that Child Advocates warn amounts to little more than an honor system for greedy corporations with a documented history of exploiting young people.

The Bill passed along party lines, with every House Democrat voting against it.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Michigan Republicans vote to strip child labor protections – People's World

U.S. Department of Labor-Provided Photos Via People’s World.

More than 4,000 Nurses Employed At Brigham And Women's Hospital In Boston Strike & Then Are Locked Out In The 'Largest Health Care Walkout In Massachusetts History'

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS) - More than 4,000 Nurses employed at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston initiated the largest Strike last week by Nurses and Health Care Professionals in Massachusetts History, according to the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA). But when they tried to return to work Thursday (July 16th) morning, the Hospital locked them out.

The Strike also involved 450 Clinicians at Mass General Brigham (MGB) Home Care, who began a separate seven-day walkout.

Both groups of Workers are represented by the MNA.

The dispute is over wages and benefits.

MGB has proposed no wage increase for Nurses, the MNA said.

The Hospital is also seeking to raise monthly health insurance premiums by 2.5 percentage points for Nurses on the Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan - roughly half the Union's Members.

Nicolette Dickerhoff, a Neo-Natal Nurse Practitioner at Brigham and Women's, said the financial pressure on Staff was already acute: "Most of us are living paycheck to paycheck because of how expensive Boston and Massachusetts in general is. The Hospital wants to increase the premiums on our health insurance - that essentially equates to a pay cut for us."

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: 4,500 Brigham and Women's Nurses Strike and Face Lockout in Largest Healthcare Walkout in Massachusetts History | The LabourPulse And Brigham Nurses Prepare for End of Lockout on Monday with Solidarity Walk-In as MGB Home Care Clinicians Demonstrate Power with Ongoing MGB HQ Strike Picketing - Massachusetts Nurses Association

Photo Courtesy Of The MNA’s Facebook Page.

CWA-Represented Piedmont Airlines Members 'Win Historic' Wage Settlement

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - After nearly three years of negotiations with the company, Piedmont Passenger Services Workers who are represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) have won a historic settlement totaling nearly $2 million in wages owed to Workers.

CWA Chief of Staff Sylvia Ramos, who led the settlement negotiations, said she was informed this was the largest award to CWA Passenger Services Members in the Union’s History.

During new contract negotiations in late 2024, the CWA Bargaining Team noticed errors with the flex-and-freeze and flex-and-progress adjustments made by the company.

To resolve these errors, Ramos placed immense pressure on the company to submit full and complete audits of all Employees - which the company dragged its feet on for months.

Ultimately, the audits revealed hundreds of Workers had been placed on the wrong step or were earning the wrong wage rates.

CWA President Claude Cummings, Jr. said he believes this settlement is the result of the Members’ mobilization efforts and resilience in the face of a lengthy bargaining process.

Continue To Show Your Support For A Fair And Just Contract With Piedmont Airlines By Sending A Letter To CEO Eric Morgan To Tell Him You Stand With CWA members: Take Action: Stand With Piedmont Airlines Workers Fighting for a Fair Contract

Union-Represented Michigan Nurses On Strike, 'Fight For Freedom From Unfair Wages & Union-Busting'

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ALMA, MICHIGAN) - While much of the country fired up grills and watched fireworks this Independence Day weekend, most of the 178 Registered Nurses (RNs) employed at MyMichigan Medical Center Alma walked the picket line instead, fighting for their own kind of freedom - freedom from unfair wages, unsafe staffing and a Hospital Administration they say has conducted illegal Anti-Union action.

The three-day Strike, which began on Friday, July 3rd and ran through Monday (July 6th) morning, came after 16 grueling negotiating sessions for a new contract and a 98% Strike Authorization Vote from Nurses who say they have simply run out of patience.

This weekend Strike is the latest escalation in a months-long battle between the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) and MyMichigan Health, which Nurses accuse of violating their contract and engaging in unlawful conduct throughout negotiations.

They join Nurses around the country - whether represented by the National Nurses United (NNU), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) or the Teamsters, in fighting back against a Health Care System that doesn’t work for its Workers or patients but simply tries to maximize profits.

The MNA filed six Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which remain under investigation.

The charges include withdrawing contract proposals after the Union gave a legally-protected Strike Notice, stopping advance shift trades without bargaining before the Strike, and changing policies regarding the assignment of Psychiatric Care Nurses to other Departments without required bargaining beforehand.

The Union also said that the Hospital refused to allow paid time off accrual on weekend overtime despite clear contract language, communicated directly with Hospital Staff about proposals not made at the bargaining table, and that a Hospital Representative made an unlawful threat against a Union Representative, stating Alma Nurses would never get a contract after the legally required notice of picketing was given.

“MyMichigan’s actions show nothing but disrespect and disregard for our Nurses, our Union and our community,” said RN Shenan Shinabarger, who serves as the President of the MNA Local at the Hospital and who is also a Member of the Statewide MNA Board.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Michigan nurses fight for freedom from unfair wages and union-busting – People's World

The UAW Indicts 'Free' Trade, Demands 'Pro-Worker Deal Or None At All'

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Cameron Harrison at People’s World reports the United Auto Workers (UAW) is challenging the Big Capitalist-driven trade policies that have gutted American manufacturing and wrecked Working-Class Communities across the country.

In a new white paper: Trade and the American Dream: NAFTA, the USMCA, and the Future of the Working Class, the Union lays out its indictment of free trade policies and proposes an alternative: “NAFTA and the like are the social contract as written by multi-national corporations,” UAW President Shawn Fain said. “It’s time we rip it up and start over.”

The 36-page document, released as the six-year review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) approaches, argues the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was “one of the most dramatic Anti-Union Laws since the notorious Taft-Hartley Act of 1947” - and that its successor, the USMCA, has also failed Working-Class Communities.

Since NAFTA’s passage in the early 90s, the U.S. has lost more than 4.2 million manufacturing jobs.

Every plant closure, the paper argues, “is a bomb dropped on a Blue‑Collar Community.”

Studies show that rates of alcohol and drug abuse, divorce and suicide all rise dramatically after factories shut down.

One recent study - Trading Goods for Lives - found that communities “more exposed to NAFTA experienced sustained increases in mortality.”

“The fact is NAFTA hollowed out U.S. manufacturing, driving a ‘race to the bottom’ - making it easy to move production for the U.S. market to Mexico, where companies can suppress wages and violate Workers’ Rights with impunity,” the paper states.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: United Auto Workers indict ‘free’ trade, demand pro-worker deal or none at all – People's World

Production Assistants Ratify Three Warner Brothers TV Union Contracts

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Members of Production Assistants United, an affiliate of Laborers Local 724, who work on three Warner Brothers’ shows have ratified their first Union contracts. Staffers on Abbott Elementary, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage and All American all unanimously approved their separate agreements. Highlights include a minimum wage rate of $20 an hour for new hires, double pay for working holidays and establishment of a Sub-Committee to explore career advancement for Production Assistants. “You cannot run a production without Production Assistants,” Production Assistants United Director of Organizing Ethan Ravens said. “The idea that the Workers holding productions together should have a Union, a voice, health care and a pension is not radical. It is inevitable. These contracts prove the momentum is real and it’s only going to keep growing.” Laborers Local 724 Secretary-Treasurer Alex Aguilar, Jr. said: “The unanimous ratification of these agreements sends a powerful message: Workers want a voice and they want representation. The unity shown by Production Assistants demonstrates the strength of this movement and the power of Workers standing together in solidarity.”

For More On This Organizing Labor News Story, Go To: NABET-CWA Members Ratify Major Contract with ABC-TV | Communications Workers of America And Production Assistants Ratify 3 Warner Bros. TV Union Contracts

UNITE HERE-Represented Philadelphia Hospitality Workers 'Unanimously Ratify A New Contract To End A Nine-Day Strike' - Deal Features 'Wages Increases To $30-Per-Hour For Non-Tipped Employees By January 2028'

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA) - After a nine-day Strike, Members of UNITE HERE Local 274 have unanimously ratified a new contract that covers 170 Workers employed at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel that will run through January 2028. The Hospitality Workers walked off the job at the City’s largest Union Hotel as World Cup games started and during preparations for Fourth of July celebrations. The new deal includes wage increases to $30 per hour for Non-Tipped Employees by January 2028, a reduction in Room Attendants’ daily quota, an 18% banquet gratuity, pension plan improvements and more. Workers will also receive better benefits for dependents' health care and "major increases in pension," according to a Union press release. Shafeek Anderson, a Union Steward at the Sheraton, said: “When we said we were fighting for ($30 per) hour at the beginning of this campaign, a lot of people told us we were asking for the impossible. With this victory, we have shown the whole industry that nothing is impossible when Workers stick together.”

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown reaches tentative deal with union | Local News | phillytrib.com

The National AFL-CIO 'Applauds The U.S. Supreme Court's Decision To Uphold Birthright Citizenship'

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – National AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision affirming Birthright Citizenship:

The Supreme Court upheld one of the fundamental promises of our Constitution: That every child born in the United States is a Citizen of the United States.

This decision rejects the Trump Administration's latest attempt to divide Working People and attack the Immigrant Families who are part of the fabric of our communities, our workplaces and our Unions.

At a time when Working People are facing relentless attacks on their fundamental freedoms, the Court made clear that Constitutional Rights cannot simply be erased by Executive Order.

One in five Workers is an Immigrant.

They are our Co-Workers, our neighbors, our family members and our fellow Union Members, integral to our economy and our workplaces.

Working People know that it’s not Immigrants who stand between Workers and a good job - it’s the bosses who exploit Workers.

When politicians target Immigrant Communities, they are targeting all of us.

(This) ruling holds the ground on hard-won gains from our long-term struggle for human dignity and racial equality, and we know that work is far from over.

Millions of Workers and families still live with the uncertainty our broken Immigration System causes, which leaves their lives and futures subject to the whims of bosses and politicians.

Congress must finally act to create a pathway to citizenship and ensure every Worker can live and work with dignity, freedom and opportunity.

The Labor Movement will continue to fight until that becomes a reality.

To Directly Access This National AFL-CIO Statement, Go To: AFL-CIO Applauds Supreme Court Decision Upholding Birthright Citizenship | AFL-CIO

It's The 'First ILWU Strike In Decades Against A Major' California Sugar Producer Sugar Giant 'As A Walkout By Union Workers Centers On Wages & Benefits'

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Stuart Chirls at FreightWaves reports a walkout by Workers represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) over wages and benefits is marking the first Strike in decades against a major California Sugar Producer. The ILWU Strike at C&H Sugar in Crockett led by Warehouse Local 6 is reportedly over health care, retiree benefits, sick leave, overtime rules and Union protections as part of a new three-year contract. The Strike by the Unionized Warehouse Employees at the massive Bay Area Complex began around mid-June, with about 90 to 100 workers involved. The historic Plant, which famously figured in the Sugar Wars of the 1930s, receives rail service from Union Pacific and generates 25,000 truckloads of sugar per year. It’s the first C&H Sugar Strike by Warehouse Workers in decades. The last comparable shutdown at the site was in 2003, when Workers walked out in solidarity with Sugar Employees rather than over their own contract.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: California: First ILWU strike against sugar giant in decades - FreightWaves

ILWU Photo Via Facebook.

'Automation Is Displacing Union Workers' - The UAW Is 'Furious After GM Replaces More Than 1,000 Workers At Detroit Assembly Plant With 50 Robots'

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Stefan Milovanovic at Geek Spin reports more than 1,000 Workers at General Motors’ (GM) flagship Detroit Assembly Plant were idled, many of them indefinitely, as the company installed 50 robots. The United Auto Workers (UAW) is calling the move exactly what it appears to be: automation is displacing people. The robots in question, known as “Cobots” (short for Collaborative Robots), have been installed on the assembly line at Factory Zero, the Detroit-Hamtramck EV Plant where GM builds its electric trucks. At Factory Zero, the Cobots are now bolting body panels onto vehicles as they move down the assembly line, working alongside the people who haven’t been laid off, as per AutoBlog. GM, however, has been careful in its framing, insisting the machines are not replacing Workers - but are instead helping the plant stay competitive while improving safety and ergonomics for the remaining Workers. The laid-off Workers are only temporarily idled, according to the company, but GM has yet to provide a timeline for their return. UAW Local 22 President James Cotton isn’t buying any of it. To him, the Cobots are about one thing: Taking away jobs from Union Members.

To Read This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: Unions are furious after GM replaces 1,000 workers with 50 robots

"We Are Going To Fight For What We Deserve" - Unionized Hotel Workers In Philadelphia Go On Strike Amid World Cup, America 250 Celebrations

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

UNITE HERE Local 274 Members are on Strike at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown - the largest Union Hotel in the City. Hospitality Workers are demanding wages and benefits in line with the new city-wide standard, which five other Union Hotels have already secured, including: A $30-per-hour wage For Non-Tipped Employees by 2028; A decrease from a 16-room to a 15-room quota per day for Housekeeping Staff; and An 18% banquet gratuity. Union Members walked off the job on Sunday (June 21st), the day before France and Iraq faced off in a World Cup match at Lincoln Financial Field. “We told them we were ready to Strike the World Cup. They could have easily avoided this by signing the contract,” Sheraton Room Attendant Francine Heason said. “We are not worth less than the other Hotel Workers in this City and we are going to fight for what we deserve.”

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: Hotel workers in Center City go on strike amid World Cup, America 250 celebrations - 6abc Philadelphia

Photo Courtesy Of The National AFL-CIO.

The American Federation Of Teachers & The Minnesota AFL-CIO 'Slam' The Federal Indictment Of 'Metro Surge' Protesters

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA) – The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the Minnesota AFL-CIO are slamming a grand jury indictment of 15 Minnesotans for opposing President Donald Trump’s “Operation Metro Surge” that targeted Immigrants in the Twin Cities. Daniel Rosen, Trump’s U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, told reporters the 15, whom he characterized as members of “Antifa,” were “charged not for what they said but what they did” in protesting the mass roundups by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and Border Patrol agents. AFT President Randi Weingarten, a New York City Civics Teacher who also holds a law degree, virtually called that statement a lie - though she didn’t use that exact word. The top count provides details of what it calls “a conspiracy to impede or injure Federal Officers carrying out their duties” - i.e. the Immigration roundups. No Officers were injured and few were impeded, the details in the 94-page indictment show. Other counts charge the protesters, who tried to block ICE Agents from jailing people in the Federal Whipple Building, with posting inflammatory videos on Instagram, following an Agent from the building to his home in Hudson, Wisconsin, kicking and denting an ICE car, side-swiping another Agent’s vehicle on the road, and knocking a third Agent’s notes out of his hand.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: AFT, Minn. AFL-CIO slam federal indictment of ‘Metro Surge’ protesters – People's World

The UFCW 'Celebrates Passage Of First Statewide Self-Checkout Legislation In Rhode Island' - Bill 'Mandates 1:3 Staffing Ratio For Self-Checkout Stands,' Heads To Governor's Desk For Signature

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND) – The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) and UFCW Local 328, which represents Grocery Workers across the State of Rhode Island, is celebrating the Rhode Island Legislature’s passage of S. 2342/H. 7290, which mandates a staffing ratio of one Grocery Worker for every three self-checkout stations.

This is a major win for both consumers and Workers, allowing self-checkouts and Workers to better serve shoppers, the UFCW said.

The measure will also help recoup millions in tax revenue in The Ocean State.

Retail theft cost Rhode Island $17.1 million in lost sales taxes in 2022, with thefts 16 times more likely to take place at self-checkouts than Employee-managed cash registers.

The Bill, led by Senate President Valarie Lawson and Representative Megan Cotter, now awaits Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee’s signature and would become the first Statewide Self-Checkout Staffing Ratio in the country.

UFCW Local 328 Secretary-Treasurer Domenic Pontarelli said: “This Bill means better service for customers and stronger support for Grocery Workers. UFCW Local 328 Members in the Grocery Industry are often overburdened, having to monitor too many self-checkouts while shoppers face delays. Staffing ratios fix this issue for all parties. We thank Senate President Lawson and Representative Cotter for their tremendous leadership standing up for both consumers and Workers across Rhode Island.”

UFCW International Vice President Ademola Oyefeso said: “Staffing ratios are common sense for self-checkouts. This technology has always been a raw deal for shoppers and Workers, shifting the labor onto customers while taking hours away from Workers. We applaud the Rhode Island Legislature for passing this Bill, making it easier and faster for families to put food on the table, and we look forward to Governor McKee’s signature.”

1.2342/H. 7290 is part of UFCW’s Affordable Groceries and Good Jobs Campaign.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: UFCW Celebrates Passage of First Statewide Self-Checkout Legislation in Rhode Island - The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union | The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union

"We Are In A Fight For Humanity" - United Auto Workers President Fain 'Warns Of Artificial Intelligence Threat'

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Luke Ramseth at The Detroit News reports United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain is calling Artificial Intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots a "profound threat" that imperil more than just jobs. "We need to be clear about this: We are in a fight for humanity," the labor leader told UAW members gathered at the UAW's Quadrennial Constitutional Convention. Protections around AI and other automation are set to be a central focus for the influential Union heading into its next round of Detroit Three bargaining in 2028, alongside other key priorities such as winning back pensions. It will also be a major issue as the Union decides who to support in upcoming elections - including in the race for the White House in two years. "The fruits of our labor have multiplied like never before, but Workers aren't reaping the harvest," Fain said. "And if AI continues to be used as an accessory to that crime, it has to be stopped. It doesn't have to be this way. In a just society, when workers create more value, they see more of the benefit." At the same convention, National AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler also underscored to UAW Members that stronger protections around AI were needed to protect jobs across all types of Unionized industries. Though they raised concerns about the technology and called for an aggressive response, neither Labor Leader detailed specific policy plans or bargaining demands.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: UAW's Shawn Fain warns of AI threat: 'We are in a fight for humanity'

Photo Courtesy Of UAW President Fain's Facebook Page.

NewsGuild President Says 'Media Consolidation Threatens Democracy'

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Mark Gruenberg at People’s World reports intense pressure from the Trump Administration and the consolidation of Mass Media ownership into “four or five” newspaper chains - as some owners, in pursuit of profits and permissions, play along with President Donald Trump, poses a big threat to independent news in the U.S., NewsGuild President Jon Schleuss says. In an exclusive interview with People’s World, Schleuss, whose rapidly growing Union has campaigned for years to “Save Local News!”- added that not just Journalists, but readers and voters are the victims of such pressure. That pressure, he said, robs Journalists and the public of the protection they need to hold government and business accountable. “They work in a double symbiosis,” Schleuss says of Trump and the chains, particularly the billionaire owners of the news organizations. Meanwhile, “The chains are continuing to self-destruct because of bad management, while the need for local news coverage” and the accountability it demands from both government and business “is higher than ever,” Schleuss says. In the last several decades, the Mainstream Print Media has consolidated into two big chains listed on Securities Exchanges, McClatchy and Gannett, and a third, Tribune, owned by the Private Venture Capital Fund Alden Global Capital. Two smaller chains - including one non-profit group, own other papers. Schleuss has nicknamed Alden “Vulture Capital.” It swoops in on distressed papers, buys them, cuts their Staff in half or more, eliminates coverage, and leaves ruined families and jobless Workers. It also sells off valuable real estate and then pockets all the proceeds from those moves.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: NewsGuild President Schleuss: Media consolidation threatens democracy – People's World

C-SPAN Screengrab of NewsGuild President Schleuss Courtesy Of NABET-CWA’s Website.

Major Resolutions Passed By At The National AFL-CIO Convention 'Reflect A Strong, Growing Labor Movement'

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA) – Last week’s 30th National AFL‑CIO Constitutional Convention was a step towards strengthening Organized Labor’s fight back against the Anti-Worker Trump regime and building Working-Class unity. Convention Delegates re-elected President Liz Shuler and Secretary‑Treasurer Fred Redmond, welcomed the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) back into the fold after two decades, and set ambitious organizing goals for the Mid-Term Elections and new Union organizing. The spirit of solidarity was also proclaimed in several important resolutions passed at the convention. One affirmed that fighting racism, sexism, homophobia and xenophobia is central to economic justice and Trade Union dignity. Another demanded a pathway to citizenship and denounced the mass deportation agenda and ICE terror by the Trump Administration. A third laid out an industrial policy, called for guardrails on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and recognized the need for new jobs in climate‑resilient infrastructure. A fourth declared health care as a basic right, demanded single-payer health care and defended the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from corporate attacks. And - in a sharp rebuke to a Democratic Governor, the convention condemned Virginia’s Gov. Abigail Spanberger - a former CIA Agent, for vetoing Collective Bargaining Legislation for Public Workers that she had promised to support. Virginia’s ban on Public Sector Bargaining, the resolution correctly noted, is inextricably tied to the State’s history of segregation and racism. All of this reflects a Labor Movement that is increasingly willing to take on the billionaires and the political establishment.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Major resolutions passed by AFL-CIO reflect strong, growing labor movement – People's World

'After 10 Days Holding The Line, UAW Local 2093 Members 'Lock In $30 By 2030 With Tentative Agreement At American Axle'

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(DETROIT, MICHIGAN) - After walking out on Strike at midnight on June 1st, United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2093 Members employed at American Axle/Dauch Corporation have reached a tentative contract agreement with the company that secures the Workers’ top-line demand of $30 per hour by 2030 - a more than 36% increase to the top wage rate over four years - among other historic gains in a record contract at the Tier 1 Parts Supplier to G.M.

UAW President Shawn Fain said: “After ten days on Strike, I am proud to announce UAW Local (2093) has reached a tentative agreement at American Axle. And, after eighteen years of sacrifice, these Workers are finally winning back a big chunk of what was taken from them.”

In 2008, Workers at American Axle took major sacrifices to save the facility from closure during the Great Recession.

Many long-time Workers who were making as much as $29 an hour in 2008 saw their wages slashed to $14.50.

Legacy UAW Members hired before May 31st, 2012 - including those who went from $29 per hour in 2008 to $14 - will see an immediate $8 per hour increase on ratification.

Workers also achieved gains in other core demands with more paid days off and without any concessions on their current health care costs, something the company insisted at the table couldn’t be done, UAW Officials said.

In the coming days, nearly 1,000 UAW Local 2093 Members will fully review the tentative agreement before taking a vote on whether to ratify the deal.

“This contract will change lives in Three Rivers and across Southwest Michigan,” said Josh Jager, UAW Local 2093’s Bargaining Chair. “I am damn proud of this agreement, and I am damn proud to be a member of UAW Local (2093).”

Over the 10-day strike, UAW Local 2093 Members attracted the interest and support of local community and political allies from across the state, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, State Senator Sean McCann, Three Rivers Mayor Angel Johnston, U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, candidate for Michigan Attorney General Eli Savit, among others.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: After 10 Days Holding the Line, UAW Local 2093 Members Lock In $30 by 2030 with Tentative Agreement at American Axle - UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America

Just Days Before The Start Of The World Cup/FIFA Soccer Matches In The U.S., UNITE HERE-Represented SoFi Stadium Workers In Los Angeles 'Win A Historic Contract' That Also 'Reserves The Right To Strike If ICE Threatens Safety'

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA) - With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days away, UNITE HERE Local 11 has announced a tentative agreement has been reached with Legends Hospitality that covers 2,000 Food and Beverage Workers employed at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

The agreement secures massive wage increases, landmark job protections and ground-breaking privacy rights, Union Officials said.

Notably, it includes an explicit right to Strike if ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) or U.S. Border Patrol activity at the worksite threatens Worker safety - a provision legal experts say is unprecedented in modern American Labor History.

Key Improvements, include:

Historic Wage Increases: The largest increases for Stadium Workers in history, with significant premiums for World Cup and Super Bowl events.

A Workforce Housing Fund: Legends will make a multi-million-dollar contribution to fund to develop housing for Hospitality Workers.

Landmark Job Protections: A 75% reduction in subcontracting over the life of the agreement, enforced by an industry-first penalty mechanism.

Restrictions On Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Automation: No new self-checkout, kiosks or Cashier-less technology can be deployed, safeguarding jobs.

Groundbreaking Privacy Rights: Workers cannot be forced to surrender Social Security numbers, immigration status or country of origin for accreditation of mega events like the World Cup. FIFA’s accreditation demands are prohibited by the contract.

And An Unprecedented Right To Strike: Workers have the contractual right to walk off the job if the Union determines in good faith that Federal Immigration Agency actions threaten Worker safety during a World Cup match.

UNITE HERE Local 11 Co-President Kurt Petersen said: “These Workers are heroes. They stood up to FIFA. They stood up to ICE. They won a historic contract and they are ready for whatever comes during the World Cup. If Federal Immigration Agencies threaten Workers’ safety, our Members have the right to walk off the job. That is now in their contract.”

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: SOFI STADIUM - UNITE HERE Local 11

Photo Courtesy Of UNITE HERE Local 11.

SAG-AFTRA Members 'Overwhelmingly Approve' 2026 TV/Theatrical Tentative Contract Agreement That Features 'Significant & Meaningful Gains For A Variety Of Member Categories While Protecting & Celebrating Human Performance'

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA) – Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Members have ratified the 2026 TV/Theatrical Agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

Members approved the new, multi-year contracts covering television, theatrical and streaming production by a vote of 91.42% to 8.58% - with a return of 19.25%.

The new contract includes significant meaningful gains for a variety of Member categories while protecting and celebrating human performance, SAG-AFTRA Officials said.

The contract builds on previous Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital replica protections to include new terms that further restrict use of synthetics, giving added protection against AI replacing Members' work, they added.

The contract also creates a pathway for merging the SAG-Producers Pension Plan and the AFTRA Retirement Fund - a crucial achievement that has been a goal since SAG and AFTRA merged back in 2012.

This means that once the merger is finalized, SAG-AFTRA Members will no longer have earnings split between two plans.

SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin said: “I’m proud of our SAG-AFTRA Membership and the strength they continue to show when we move together with a shared purpose. This agreement builds on the foundation members fought to establish and carries that work into the next chapter of our industry. It delivers meaningful gains in compensation, strengthens protections around Artificial Intelligence and digital identity, reinforces the long-term security of Members’ benefit plans and recognizes the realities of how performers work today. Our Members have always understood that protecting the future of this profession means preparing for change before it arrives. This agreement reflects that commitment and the collective power of this Union.”

SAG-AFTRA represents 160,000 Actors, Announcers, Broadcast Journalists, Dancers, DJs, News Writers, News Editors, Program Hosts, Puppeteers, Recording Artists, Singers, Stunt Performers, Voiceover Artists and other Entertainment and Media Professionals.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: SAG-AFTRA Members Approve 2026 TV/Theatrical Contracts Tentative Agreement | SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA Editor’s Note: For a full list of the provisions achieved in this contract, please see the summary or the full Memorandum of Agreement.

In Los Angeles, UNITE HERE Local 11-Represented SoFi Stadium Workers 'Authorize Strike Ahead Of World Cup Opener'

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Michele McPhee at Los Angeles Magazine reports 2,000 Union-represented SoFi Stadium Workers have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a Strike just a week before the venue will stage the first FIFA World Cup game in the United States in more than three decades. Negotiations are continuing on a contract between UNITE HERE Local 11, which represents the Hospitality Workers, Cooks, Dishwashers, Concession Workers and Bartenders at the stadium’s food-service operators for Legends Global. Much of the dispute is not centered on wages and benefits - Workers want guarantees U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be barred from the stadium. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has said enforcement will be centered on human trafficking, which is a common law enforcement issue during large sporting events. The timing is critical because the United States Men’s National Team is scheduled to play its opening World Cup match against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, which, because of FIFA rules, will be rebranded Los Angeles Stadium, on Friday (June 12th). If negotiations fail and Workers Strike, it will create a major headache for FIFA. Because FIFA requires strict, pre-approved background checks for all stadium personnel, Legends Global’s backup plan to use temporary replacement Workers could run into massive delays, threatening to disrupt operations for the 70,000 fans expected at the opening match.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: World Cup Strike Threat Looms Over SoFi Stadium Opener

Photo Courtesy Of UNITE HERE Local 11.

San Diego REI Workers Win Union Election, 'Become The Largest Unionized Store In The U.S.' - 'Comes Days After Historic Worker-Led Boycott Turns Away Thousands Of REI Customers Across 30 States'

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA) – The REI Union has announced Workers at REI’s San Diego Store have voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 135.

The San Diego location is REI’s third-largest in the country by revenue and the 12th and largest REI Store in the country to Unionize with the UFCW/Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) for fair pay, sustainable scheduling practices and better working conditions.

Jae Michael, a REI worker at the Co-Op’s San Diego Store, said: “We’re so stoked to have won our Union! It’s been a long road, but we all want to make REI the best version of itself that it can be and that is what brought us to this moment. We are the ones stewarding the values of this Co-Op every single day, especially when we cannot rely on executive leadership to do the same. With our Union, we’ll have a say in the decisions that affect our jobs and our lives. When we first started to organize, I knew we were joining a nationwide movement to hold REI accountable to its green vests and Co-Op Members. I’m beyond proud to be a part of the REI Union so we can achieve that mission together.”

REI San Diego’s Union win comes days after the REI Union concluded its nationwide boycott of the company’s Anniversary Sale to demand REI bargain in good faith.

More than 70,000 Co-Op Members pledged not to shop, reportedly causing stores across the country to miss sales targets.

REI received a clear message: Shoppers support Unionized green vests’ right to a fair contract.

The REI San Diego Store is the third in California and the 12th in the country to Unionize with the UFCW/RWDSU since 2022, along with: SoHo, New York; Berkeley, California; Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Boston, Massachusetts; Durham, North Carolina; Maple Grove, Minnesota; Bellingham, Washington; Castleton, Indiana; Santa Cruz, California; and Greensboro, North Carolina.

Since the first REI Store Unionized in SoHo, the REI Co-Op has engaged in a scorched-earth Union-Busting Campaign both in-Store and at the bargaining table, complete with the intimidation of Workers and lies about Unionization.

REI Union Members are represented by the UFCW Locals 5, 135, 663, 700, 1208, 1445, 3000, and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).

To Directly Access This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: San Diego REI Workers Win Union Election— Becoming the Largest Unionized Store in the Country - The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union | The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union

Unite HERE 'Uses World Cup As Leverage Versus ICE & For Strike Votes'

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Mark Gruenberg at People’s World reports Unite HERE Locals, whose Members - most of them Workers of Color and almost all among the Nation’s most-exploited employees, in hotels, restaurants and stadiums, are using the pending World Cup soccer games in the U.S. as leverage to ban Republican President Donald Trump’s vicious and violent ICE Agents from host cities, to take Strike Authorization Votes, or both. And their parent International Union is warning travelers to those soccer games that there may be picket lines and labor disputes at those facilities and at airports, too. Unite HERE President Gwen Mills said: “The World Cup should be a major economic opportunity for the Hospitality Industry, and a chance to recover some from decreased tourism numbers and lower-than-projected demand for hotel rooms, restaurant reservations and the like caused by disastrous Trump immigration policies. Unite HERE Members are prepared to give a warm welcome to fans to their cities, but may not be able to do so if they are still struggling for good contracts that ensure good wages and benefits.” Or if the Workers are scared away by Trump’s ICE agents and cooperating local Police. Mills explained heavy Police and ICE Agent presence outside stadiums, hotels and restaurants “may discourage attendees and/or intimidate Workers as they try to do their jobs.”

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Union uses World Cup as leverage vs. ICE and for strike votes – People's World

UAW Strike At Axel Plant In Michigan 'Threatens General Motors Truck Production' - GM 'Has Two Weeks Before A Strike Could Hit Silverado & Sierra Production'

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

From CNBC: Nearly 1,000 United Auto Workers (UAW)-represented Workers employed at a Michigan Supplier Plant that makes parts for General Motors (GM) pickup trucks went on Strike Monday (June 1st) after failing to reach a new contract with the company. Workers at an Axle and Components Plant in Three Rivers, Michigan for Dauch Corporation - formerly known as American Axle and Manufacturing - walked out of the factory and onto picket lines. The UAW did not release a full list of demands - but said in a press release Workers are still trying to regain wages lost during the Great Recession. “We’ll stay out on Strike until this company comes to its senses,” UAW President Shawn Fain said during a video announcement. “The full force of the UAW International Union will be standing with these Workers. So, American Axle, time is up. No contract, no axles.” The Union said long-time Workers who were making as much as $29 an hour saw their wages slashed to $14.50 in 2008. Current wages top out at $22 an hour after a five-year progression.

From Autoblog: GM has about two weeks of axle inventory to keep building trucks unhampered, which was confirmed by two people familiar with the matter to Reuters. GM is said to be monitoring the situation closely and assessing any potential impact, while the Dauch Corporation called the work stoppage a disappointment. The spokesperson went on to say: "We remain committed to negotiating with the Union in good faith and hope to promptly reach a fair agreement." As a result of the Strike, GM's shares dropped by 2% after trading. Dauch took a bigger hit, losing 6%. The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra models are built in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and make up one-third of the GM group's sales, giving more importance to this work stoppage and its effect on the overall business.

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To:

UAW strike: Union work stoppage threatens GM truck production

UAW American Axle Bargaining Update

GM has two weeks before a strike could hit Silverado and Sierra production

The Printing Packaging & Production Workers Union Merges With The IAM

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The Printing Packaging & Production Workers Union of North America (PPPWU) is merging with the 600,000-Member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).

PPPWU International President Israel Castro said: “I believe that together, the IAM and PPPWU will be a true force for our Members.”

PPPWU Members will be entitled to all of the many resources of the IAM, including negotiations, training, legal, communications, political and legislative, and other support.

The PPPWU and IAM represent Workers in several common industries with Collective Bargaining Agreements at many shared employers, which is a point of strength for the two Unions coming together, Representatives said.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: A Stronger Future—Built Together: PPPWU Initiates Affiliation, Merger as IAM Union Continues Growing Power for Membership - IAM Union

The Union Avoidance Industry 'Is Worth $1.7 Billion' And 'Florida Union Busters Are Cashing In' - Union Avoidance Firms 'Based In The Sunshine State Reported Millions Of Dollars In Earnings From Companies Like Amazon In 2025 Alone'

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

McKenna Schueler at Orlando Weekly reports U.S. employers collectively spend an estimated $1.7 billion each year to prevent their Workers from Unionizing, according to a new report from the Economic Policy Institute and Non-Profit Watchdog Group LaborLab. The $1.7 billion figure includes spending on law firms such as Littler Mendelson that specialize in so-called Union Avoidance services, as well as an estimated $442 million on professional Anti-Union consultants who are contracted by employers to directly persuade Workers against Unionization, often at rates of $400-plus an hour or upward of $3,000 per day. Federal records indicate several of the most active Union Avoidance consultants in the U.S. are based in Central Florida - or at least affiliate their consultancy firms with Florida-based addresses. Some of these consultants rake in millions of dollars each year from big companies like Amazon, which reportedly spent at least $26 million on Union Avoidance consultants in 2025 alone. RoadWarrior Productions, a Union Avoidance firm based out of Florida’s Space Coast, reported being paid nearly $8 million by Amazon last year to thwart Unionization efforts at various Amazon Facilities in the States of California, New York, North Carolina, Michigan, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, Illinois and Pennsylvania. The firm does most of its work through individual sub-contractors, many of whom are also based in Florida. One of the firm’s sub-contracted consultants, Jared Rodriguez, is a sitting City Council Member in the small Florida City of Layton, as Orlando Weekly reported.

To Read This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: The ‘union avoidance’ industry is worth $1.7 billion. Florida union busters are cashing in. - Orlando Weekly

The Strike By Harvard Graduate Students Union-United Auto Workers-Represented Members 'Becomes The Longest In The Union's History'

Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Members of Harvard Graduate Students Union-United Auto Workers (HGSU-UAW) Local 5118 continue to hold the line for a fair contract as their Strike enters its sixth week and becomes the longest work stoppage in the Union’s History. Graduate Workers first walked off the job following 14 months of ongoing negotiations and nearly a year of working under an expired contract. University Administrators have continued to refuse to make meaningful progress around paid immigration leave, an agency shop, a formal grievance process for harassment and discrimination, paid medical leave and pay parity between Teaching Fellows and Research Assistants. A bargaining session was scheduled for late last week. “I sincerely hope that the University comes to the table before commencement and offers us movement really on any of our core issues,” HGSU-UAW Vice President Evan Lemire said. “In the absence of that, yes, we will still be on Strike and still be engaging in Strike activities on Commencement.”

Meanwhile, Wyeth Renwick and Claire L. Simon at The Harvard Crimson report HGSU-UAW has informed the University it would consider a Membership vote to end the Strike if Harvard moved on those five core issues outlined above. But University representatives are holding firm on two of those demands, declining to advance proposals on an agency shop or a Union-supervised grievance process for Title IX cases, according to Harvard Officials. The University’s lawyers told the Union the prior week that they were “considering” the grievance proposal - but were not prepared to make a counter-offer. On the remaining three issues, the University signaled limited openness. Harvard rejected the Union’s paid immigration leave proposal - but indicated it might discuss paid medical and family leave for non-citizen Graduate Students. The possibility was also raised of bringing Teaching Fellow pay closer to Research Assistant levels - the first time the University has engaged on pay parity, Officials said.

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: HGSU-UAW Strike Becomes Longest in Union History as Harvard Holds Firm at Bargaining Table | News | The Harvard Crimson

University of California Information Technology Workers 'Go Union,' Join UPTE-CWA To 'Form The Largest Tech Union In The U.S.'

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In California, 2,100 Information Technology (IT) Professionals employed at the University of California (UC) have voted overwhelmingly to join the University Professional and Technical Employees-Communications Workers of America (UPTE-CWA) Local 9119.

This is the largest Tech Industry Organizing Campaign in U.S. history and brings the total number of IT Workers in the Bargaining Unit to 8,400, making it the largest Tech Union in the United States.

The IT Workers cited layoff protections, wage increases and Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance as key issues.

Worker titles Include Application Programmers, Business Systems Analysts, Data Systems Analysts, Database Administrators, Information Systems Analysts and Instructional Designers.

These Workers keep California’s Public University running by building and maintaining the digital infrastructure behind patient care at UC’s Medical Centers, powering the Research Systems Scientists across the State that they rely on, and by designing the learning tools that serve hundreds of thousands of students.

UPTE-CWA Local 9119 President Dan Russell said: “We know when you try to make quick, dirty decisions to cut labor through AI, you're actually creating a more vulnerable system. On paper, AI can make us more 'productive' at our jobs, but the people making those recommendations to UC are management consultants who don't have the knowledge or expertise we have as Workers. With the right to bargain over our working conditions, we can set the right tone not just for our workplace and tech organizations, but also for the millions of Californians who turn to UC every day for critical research, health care and educational opportunities.”

The Union Organizing campaign involved dozens of IT Workers who reached out to their colleagues via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, e-mail and Social Media, as well as physical outreach across departments and by knocking on doors, UPTE-CWA Officials said.

Massachusetts Rideshare Drivers 'Make History As App Drivers Union Becomes First Certified Union Of Rideshare Drivers In The U.S.' - 'Nearly 70,000 Become Largest Private Workforce To Win Union Recognition Since Ford Auto Workers In 1941'

Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS) - In a watershed moment for the Nation’s Labor Movement, Rideshare Drivers in Massachusetts with the App Drivers Union (ADU) have become the first Statewide Rideshare Union in the country to win official recognition, creating a path toward negotiating better pay, job protections on behalf of nearly 70,000 Rideshare Drivers across The Commonwealth.

At a rally Tuesday (May 26th), Rideshare Drivers - alongside allies Governor Maura Healey, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President April Verrett and International Association of Machinists (IAM) International President Brian Bryant, marked the historic turning point for the modern-day Labor Movement and major step forward in the fight to hold Big Tech companies accountable.

Rideshare Drivers in Massachusetts are the largest private workforce to win Union recognition since the United Auto Workers (UAW) at Ford in 1941.

With as many as 70,000 Rideshare Drivers in Massachusetts, recognition of their Union is a historic win for Working People that gives momentum to the nationwide push among Rideshare Drivers for Union Rights.

Victoria Acosta, a Member Leader of the App Drivers Union, said: “I never dreamed that this day would happen. I once thought it was impossible that we would have a seat at the table with these two big corporations in front of us - but nothing is impossible when you are united. For me, it’s a dream come true, seeing the hard work of all my Colleagues collecting cards, talking to the drivers and making sure we can achieve what we dream.”

Following Union recognition, Drivers with the ADU will begin contract negotiations with the Rideshare Companies where they will seek to raise standards around pay, safety and deactivations.

In doing so, Rideshare Drivers will pave a path for millions of Drivers across the country to join together, organize a Union and win important protections on the job.

Rideshare Drivers in the Commonwealth first made history in November 2024 when they won Union rights through the passage of Question 3.

In the months since, Rideshare Drivers have organized by the thousands through conversations in airport parking lots, car washes, stadiums, churches, community centers and more.

A defining feature of the Massachusetts law is its mandate Rideshare Companies come to the table and bargain in good faith.

Unlike organizing under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the voter-approved law includes interest arbitration.

If the ADU and the companies do not reach an agreement within six months, the dispute goes to an independent arbitrator to help set the terms of a CBA, which avoids the often-protracted fights and barriers Workers have to overcome to reach a first contract.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: Massachusetts Rideshare Drivers Make History as App Drivers Union Becomes First Certified Union of Rideshare Drivers in U.S. - IAM Union

In Atlanta At Its 55th International Convention, Members Of The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists 'Deliver A Sobering Message:' The Labor Movement 'Is Under Its Most Severe Attack In A Generation & No One Is Coming To Save Them But Themselves'

Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In Atlanta, Cameron Harrison at People’s World reports hundreds of mostly Black Trade Unionists from across the country packed the Hyatt Regency Downtown last week as the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) opened its 55th International Convention with a sober assessment: The Labor Movement is under its most severe attack in a generation and no one is coming to save them but themselves. At this year’s convention, the CBTU is dedicating itself to building its own political roadmap that is rooted in the understanding Labor Rights and Civil Rights are one fight. And, according to the Workers here, they are not waiting for permission. “Workers today are facing some of the worst conditions imaginable,” CBTU President, the Reverend Terrence Melvin (who also serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the New York State AFL-CIO), declared from the main stage. “The rising cost of living has priced many out of obtaining basic necessities. Health care has become unavailable for millions. The price of gas has bled many of our bank accounts. Yet somehow there is always enough money to enrich the richest few.” Melvin said the Trump Administration is “demolishing Unions with the stroke of a pen and a deaf ear to the Workers” - a reference to Executive Orders that have shredded Union contracts and canceled bargaining rights for more than a million Public Service Workers. “Now is not the time to bend,” he said. “Now is not the time to forget the obstacles we have hurdled and the victories we have achieved. Instead, we need to lean on those victories to help pave the way for new accomplishments.”

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Coalition of Black Trade Unionists: Labor rights and civil rights are one fight – People's World

Biden's OSHA Chief Tells The GOP "Don't Sideline Job Safety And Health"

Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Douglas Parker, President Joe Biden’s Occupational Safety and Health Administrator, is warning Congressional Republicans against massive cuts - which GOP President Donald Trump proposes - in job safety and health enforcement and in the research that backs it up. Parker raised those points at a House Sub-Committee hearing on job safety and health, called by the Republican-run House Workforce Protections Sub-Committee. Unlike other hearings by that panel’s parent committee - Education and the Workforce, questions from both sides of the aisle lacked Right-Wing fireworks. The future of job safety and health protections is in doubt. Republican witnesses before the panel - led by Pat Sughrue, the Health and Safety Director for the Cianbro Corporation of Maine, speaking for the Anti-Union and Anti-Worker Associated Builders and Contractors, proposed looking forward to preventing hazards, rather than enforcement. Other witnesses sang that line, too, if less strongly. Trump proposes a $50 million (13.5%) cut in enforcement money at OSHA for the fiscal year starting October 1st and a 36% cut in inspections nationwide. Trump would cut research on safety and health hazards, which Workers and OSHA Inspectors depend upon, by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) by 75% in that fiscal year. Trump, through multi-billionaire Elon Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), wanted to completely kill NIOSH. But the United Mine Workers of American and furloughed NIOSH Workers led a mass protest in Downtown D.C. against that elimination. It drew so much publicity Congress retreated. “Thankfully, through the efforts of the public, including leading voices from Labor and management, this decision was reversed,” Parker said. “This non-partisan recognition of the critical role of a public institution in providing value to both Workers and employers was a welcome departure from the current climate of divisiveness.” But in his budget for fiscal 2027, Trump is trying again.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Biden’s OSHA chief tells GOP: Don’t sideline job safety and health – People's World

New Economic Policy Institute/LaborLab Report: U.S. Employers 'Spend More Than $1.5 Billion Annually On Union Avoidance'

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Many U.S. employers hire Union Avoidance Consultants to keep their Workers from organizing and bargaining for better pay and working conditions. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) and LaborLab estimate employers spend roughly $1.7 billion a year on Union Avoidance Consultants and law firms for this purpose, which has an undeniable impact on Workers’ ability to organize and bargain collectively. Over the past several decades, large law firms have developed substantial business specializing in Union Avoidance Services. This includes exploiting the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) administrative processes and creating nearly endless delays for Workers who are trying to form a Union. Large law firms - such as Littler Mendelson, Morgan Lewis, and Jackson Lewis, have represented employers in their fights against some of the largest organizing efforts over the last decade, including Amazon, Starbucks and Trader Joe’s.

To Read The EPI/LaborLab Report, Go To: U.S. employers spend more than $1.5 billion annually on union avoidance | Economic Policy Institute

An 'Historic' Union Election: The 'Largest' Union Election In Pennsylvania's Public Sector 'In Nearly Five Decades, More Than 5,000' Penn State Faculty 'Vote To Join SEIU'

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA) – More than 5,000 Faculty across Penn State University’s many campuses - including University Park and the Commonwealth Campuses, have Gone Union with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 668.

The Penn State Faculty Alliance (PSFA) announced 2,510 Faculty Members voted yes and 847 no.

Union Officials called it a “historic” Union Election and the largest Union Election in the State of Pennsylvania’s Public Sector in nearly five decades.

The Union will include Faculty Members across all ranks and Departments, tenured and contingent, full-time and part-time, at University Park and across the Commonwealth Campuses.

Marissa Baez, Adjunct Lecturer in Arts and Architecture at Penn State University Park and PSFA Organizing Committee Member, said: “I am very excited about the results of the election. As Faculty, we all came together to achieve a collective voice in Penn State’s decision-making. Now, we can move forward as educators to create a better work environment for all Faculty and support the best learning environment for our students.”

Beth Seymour, Teaching Professor of Anthropology at Penn State Altoona and PSFA Organizing Committee Member, said: “This is a win for all Penn State Faculty and an incredible opportunity to advocate for Higher Education in Pennsylvania. We encourage all faculty to join PSFA and get involved, as we look forward to working with the University and quickly negotiating a strong contract for the Faculty. Together we will build a strong future for our entire University Community.”

SEIU Local 668 is a Statewide Public Sector Union representing 25,000 workers, with Members in all 67 Counties across the Pennsylvania Commonwealth.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: We Won!!!

Houston Labor Organizers Allege More Than 100 Workers On The LBJ Hospital Project 'Were Denied Full Pay, Benefits & Vacation Time - A Total Of $1.6 Billion'

Sun, 17 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(HOUSTON, TEXAS) - Labor Unions representing Construction Workers on the $1.6 billion LBJ Hospital expansion project are urging Harris County's Public Health Care Entity to address allegations of stolen wages and a fear of retaliation on the construction site. Union Officials say the issue could be negatively impacting potentially hundreds of Workers who were hired by contractors McCorvey Sheet Metal Works LP and Chapparal Insulation. In response to concerns raised by Workers in the past few months, Harris Health has engaged a third-party auditor to field complaints and to assist in reviewing wage-related claims. Sheet Metal Workers Local 54 Business Manager Armando Aguirre said: "Workers must be paid what they are owed without any further delay. But that's not enough. There must be a full investigation and an audit into the sub-contractors accused of misconduct on this project and they must be held responsible." Unions are urging Harris County to send a message to contractors that the alleged behavior - including underpayment, intimidation, retaliation and gaslighting - won’t be tolerated. “Whatever a contractor is stealing from Workers should not be worth the consequences when they inevitably get caught,” Aguirre said. “Taxpayer-funded projects must have a zero tolerance policy for wage and hour violations or retaliation.”

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: Workers allege wage theft on $1.6B Houston hospital project And Stolen wage allegations made against contractors hired by Harris County for $1.6B hospital construction – Houston Public Media

The Virginia Public Sector Labor Coalition Says Governor Has 'Betrayed More Than Half a Million' Public Service Workers 'By Vetoing Historic' Collective Bargaining Legislation

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(RICHMOND, VIRGINIA) - The Virginia Public Sector Labor Coalition, which collectively represents hundreds of thousands of Workers across the Commonwealth, issued the following joint statement in response to Governor Abigail Spanberger’s betrayal of half a million Virginia Public Service Workers - including Teachers, Firefighters, Home Care Workers, State Workers, County Workers, City Workers and some Higher Education Workers - by expressing her plan to veto historic legislation that would have allowed Workers to collectively bargain for fair wages, benefits and working conditions:

The Virginia Public Sector Labor Coalition - which comprises the: Virginia AFL-CIO; the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the American Federation of Teachers; the American Federation of Teachers-American Association of University Professors; the Communications Workers of America (CWA); Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Virginia 512; the Virginia Education Association (VEA); the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF); UNITE HERE; and United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 - released the following statement:

Shame.

Governor Abigail Spanberger (has) betrayed half a million of Virginia’s Public Service Workers by going back on her campaign promise to support Collective Bargaining Rights for the people who keep our Commonwealth and communities running every day.

Instead of aligning herself with General Assembly Democrats who unanimously supported this Bill, Spanberger instead vetoed the Bill just as her predecessor Glenn Youngkin did, sending Virginia Workers the crystal-clear message that they are no better off than they were under a Republican Governor.

Many Workers were excited by her promise to finally give them a voice on the job and are now left questioning why she has left them behind.

It is Orwellian for the Governor to suggest that she supports Collective Bargaining Rights while introducing a version of the Bill that delayed extending those rights to local Workers until the next decade, inserted a kill-switch into the bill that would have effectively allowed a future Governor to end Collective Bargaining without a single vote from the General Assembly, and took Workers’ rights in Virginia backwards by weakening existing Collective Bargaining Agreements and reducing Worker protections across the Commonwealth.

To then hide behind local politicians who are scared to sit down with their own Workers, instead of acknowledging the many local Elected Officials who called on her to sign the Bill and the half a million Public Service Workers whose lives could have been made better by this Bill, is cowardly.

The Governor thinks she knows what is best for Workers and that is precisely the problem.

She is not listening to Workers.

Virginia’s ban on Collective Bargaining is rooted in the efforts of Black Hospital Workers to organize the University of Virginia Hospital in the 1940s.

Until 2020, Virginia was one of only three States with a blanket ban on Collective Bargaining, with the other two being North Carolina and South Carolina.

It is shameful the Governor turned her back on an opportunity to undo this remaining legacy of Jim Crow in Virginia.

The right to Collectively Bargain is foundational to all other Workers’ Rights.

To be clear: In the middle of an affordability crisis, the Governor has denied half a million Public Service Workers the freedom to bargain for a living wage, affordable health care and safe workplaces.

Working Families thank General Assembly Democrats, especially the Legislation’s patrons Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell and House Democratic Caucus Chair Kathy Tran, who have stood with and fought alongside Virginia’s Workers.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: Gov. Spanberger Betrays More Than Half a Million Public Service Workers By Vetoing Historic Collective Bargaining Legislation | American Federation of Teachers

AFA-Represented United Flight Attendants Ratify New Contract That Features A 31% Average Wage Increase For Nearly 30,000 Flight Attendants

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - United Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-Communications Workers of America (AFA-CWA), have voted by 82% to ratify a new contract that provides a 31% average wage increase for the nearly 30,000 Flight Attendants - plus boarding pay (additional 7%-8% compensation on average) this Summer, and $741 million in retroactive pay, among many other improvements.

“The contract will immediately change the lives of United Flight Attendants, especially our thousands of new hires who have been hired since the pandemic,” AFA President Ken Diaz said. “Our solidarity delivered the goods.”

“The United Airlines Flight Attendant contract now leads the industry in total value for Flight Attendants - and it should,” said AFA-CWA President Sara Nelson, whose Union represents more than 55,000 Flight Attendants who are employed at 20 Airlines. “We will continue to press forward with all of our contracts and build power with our organizing to ensure Flight Attendants are respected with meaningful return for our work as Aviation’s First responders.”

The five-year contract includes: 31% base pay rate increase this Summer - Average increase in base pay with June and August 2026 raises compounded; Boarding pay (on average 7-8% increase to compensation); $741 Million in Retro Pay; Expanded job security aligned with United Pilots, including limits on Express flying, code and revenue share; Restrictions on red-eye flying; Sit Pay for scheduled and rescheduled sits over 2.5 hours (incentive to decrease long, unpaid sits); Per Diem and 401k contribution increases; 10 weeks paid maternity and two weeks paid parental and adoption leaves; Elimination of 24 hour on-call reserve with 14 Hours Reserve Availability Periods; Improved language in Hotels and Electronic Notification; and Increased Pay for premiums including International Purser and Language position.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: United Flight Attendants Ratify New Contract - Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

AFSCME Local 3299 - Which Represents More Than 40,000 Workers In The University Of California System, Plans An 'Open-Ended' Strike Starting Thursday At UC Santa Cruz, 'Accusing The University Of Bad-Faith' Bargaining

Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299 - which represents more than 40,000 Workers employed in the University of California (UC) System, including 530 at UC Santa Cruz, is planning an open-ended strike starting Thursday (May 14th). The Union accuses the University of bad-faith bargaining. Workers are employed in a span a range of occupations, such as food service, transportation, Electricians, Custodians and Patient Care Workers, like Nurse’s Aides and Radiology Technologists. AFSCME says wages simply don’t keep up with rising housing and health care costs. The Workers have filed two Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Charges against UC, including: Unlawful imposition of health care increases and other unlawful terms and refusal to bargain over housing benefits. AFSCME Local 3299 Executive Director Liz Perlman told Lookout Santa Cruz: “It’s the first time, not only for our Union, but also for an open-ended hospital Strike in the Public Sector in California. This is really a last resort. After two years, we’ve tried everything else. Their average salary is ($62,000), which, you know, in Santa Cruz County is just nearly impossible to live on. The UCs are in some of the most expensive real estate in the country. They don’t move, but everything gets more and more expensive around them.”

For More On This Labor News Report, Go To: Open Ended Strike! – AFSCME 3299 And UC workers prepare for systemwide open-ended strike on Thursday, with local impacts to patients, buses, dining services - Lookout Santa Cruz

United Natural Foods Incorporated Teamsters 'Ratify Strong First' Contract - Warehouse Workers 'Win 23%' Wage Increase, Teamsters Health Care & Pension

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(LANCASTER, TEXAS) – Teamsters Local 745 Members employed at United Natural Foods Incorporated (UNFI) in Lancaster, Texas have overwhelmingly ratified their first Teamsters contract that covers 300 Warehouse Workers and delivers a 23% wage increase, Teamsters health care, a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and strong job protections.

“This contract is going to change our lives for years to come,” said Laqurria Marshall, a Warehouse Worker and Member of Local 745. “We organized because we wanted better wages, affordable health care and real retirement security. By standing together as Teamsters, we secured all of that and more.”

Workers at UNFI’s Lancaster Distribution Center voted to join the Teamsters in December, following an earlier organizing victory by Drivers at the same Facility.

With the ratification of this agreement, the Lancaster Facility is now a wall-to-wall Teamsters Shop.

“Our Members at UNFI fought hard and stayed united from Day One. This agreement proves what Workers can accomplish when they fight together as Teamsters,” said Brent Taylor, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 745 and Teamsters Southern Region International Vice President. “We promised these Workers we would fight to win the wages, benefits and protections that they deserved and that is exactly what we delivered.”

UNFI is the primary distributor for Amazon-owned Whole Foods.

Since 2022, more than 3,500 UNFI Workers have organized with the Teamsters, bringing total Teamsters Membership to more than 5,500 nationwide.

Newly organized Workers at UNFI Facilities across the country continue to win strong first contracts that raise standards at the company, Union Officials said.

“We are continuing to win strong contracts at UNFI and across the entire Food Distribution Industry,” said Tom Erickson, who serves as Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “This victory in Texas is another example of the power Workers have as Members of our Union.”

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters represents 1.3 million Members in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.

To Read This Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: UNFI Teamsters Ratify Strong First Contract - International Brotherhood of Teamsters

REI Outdoor Equipment Retail Workers 'Launch Consumer Boycott Of The Chain After Management Fails Reach A Contract By A Deadline Set By The RWDSU'

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Mark Gruenberg at People’s World reports that in Bellingham, Washington, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers (RWDSU) - which represents REI Retail Outdoor Equipment Chain Employees, have asked REI’s 70,000 Co-Op Members and other consumers to vote with their feet and stay away from its stores. The boycott began on May Day after management failed to reach an agreement with the Union by a deadline set by the RWDSU. The Workers now plan to Strike from May 15th through the 25th against the chain, which likes to advertise itself as Pro-Worker and ecologically friendly. Those dates coincide with REI’s big anniversary sale. Meanwhile, Workers employed at REI’s big San Diego Store have filed for a Union Recognition Election. Key issues for the 119 Workers are staffing, working hours, low pay and questionable working conditions. If they win, they’d be REI’s 12th Store to Unionize, but with United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 135, San Diego media reported, rather than the RWDSU, a semi-independent UFCW Sector. RWDSU has organized REI’s flagship SoHo Store in New York City and 10 others. The flurry of moves involving REI marks yet another instance of low-paid Retail Workers finally being fed up with low pay - especially in expensive Cities like New York, Chicago and San Diego, and unfavorable working conditions.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: REI workers launch consumer boycott of chain – People's World

Snapshot Courtesy Of UFCW Local 3000’s Facebook Page.

'AI Is Taking Jobs:' 'Tens Of Thousands' Of Tech Workers 'Are Being Laid Off In 2026' & The $725 Billion That Replaced Them Is Going To 'Four' Companies

Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Don Lair at 24/7 Wall St reports Mark Zuckerberg told 8,000 Meta Employees in early May that their jobs were a casualty of the company's AI (Artificial Intelligence) infrastructure budget. And Amazon has cut roughly 30,000 roles in the last five months. Microsoft has shed about 125,000 through "voluntary" departures. And Alphabet is in the middle of an ongoing 1,500. The headlines compress into a single phrase: AI is taking jobs.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Tens of Thousands of Tech Workers Are Being Laid Off in 2026. The $725 Billion That Replaced Them Is Going to Four Companies.