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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.

Teamsters-Represented Brookfield Zoo Workers Reach Tentative Contract Agreement To End ULP Strike

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Sara Tenenbaum at CBS News Chicago reports Teamsters Local 727, which represents about 100 Members employed at the Brookfield Zoo, has reached a tentative contract agreement to end a three-day Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Strike. The four-year agreement reportedly includes a 20% wage increase over the course of the contract. The Zoo has also agreed to continue to ensure health care plans through an increased contribution, as well as to enhancements to staffing for the Animal Care and Facilities Teams. The Teamsters represent Animal Care Specialists, Patrol Officers, Custodians, Groundskeepers, Patrol Officers, Aides and Seasonal Workers.

For More On This Labor News Report, Go To: Brookfield Zoo, Teamsters Local 727 union reach tentative agreement to end strike And Teamsters at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago Launch ULP Strike - International Brotherhood of Teamsters

'Do You See Us Now, Nike?:' Why Oregon Educators & Asian Garment Workers Are 'Fighting Nike Together'

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Jasmin Malik Chua at Footwear News reports that for decades, Nike told the world to "Just Do It." Now, Oregon Educators and Asian Garment Workers say they're just done. If the affinity between the two groups-backed by the Asia Floor Wage Alliance, Global Labor Justice, the Portland Association of Teachers and Jobs With Justice isn't obvious, it's only at first glance. Both charge the Sportswear Goliath with fueling a "race to the bottom" by cutting tax deals that siphon funds from public education and underpaying the people who make its sneakers and clothes. Their Just Sign It Campaign calls on Nike to sign a legally binding fair tax and wage agreement that funds Oregon's Schools and pays a living wage to Workers across its supply chains in Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Instead of bossing others around, they say, it's time to heed the predominantly Female Workers who churn out its merchandise and the working Oregonians who have subsidized its profits. "The Garment Industry in Asia and public education in Oregon have a shared problem," said Abiramy Sivalogananthan, South Asia Coordinator for the Asia Floor Wage Alliance, a coalition of Trade Unions and Labor Rights Organizations. "Nike has built a system of extraction that benefits executives and investors at the expense of Working People. We each have power, but together we have a lot of power."

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: 'Injury to one is injury to all': Why Oregon educators and Asian garment workers are fighting Nike together And #SeeUsNike: Garment Workers Risk Going Public, Demanding Wage Justice – Asia Floor Wage Alliance

160,000-Member SAG-AFTRA & AMPTP Studios Reach A Tentative Contract Deal That Covers Motion Pictures, Scripted Prime Time Dramatic TV, Streaming Content & New Media

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a tentative agreement on terms for a successor contract to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Contracts covering motion pictures, scripted prime time dramatic television, streaming content and new media. The tentative agreement is subject to approval by the SAG-AFTRA National Board, which will meet in the coming days to review the terms. The specific details will not be released in advance of the Board’s review. Negotiations began February 9th and recessed on March 15th. Talks resumed on April 27th and concluded May 2nd (2026). 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.

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: SAG-AFTRA and studios reach tentative contract deal

May Day 2026: U.S. Labor Movement 'Reclaims' International Workers' Day

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

For most of the 20th Century, May Day - International Workers’ Day - was largely absent from the official calendar of the U.S. Labor Movement.

While Workers around the globe marched on May 1st to honor the martyrs of Chicago’s 1886 Haymarket uprising, bosses here at home pushed their Employees to only observe Labor Day in September, leaving May Day - the original Workers’ holiday - to the Left, Immigrant Rights Activists and the occasional Socialist rally.

That era is over.

On May 1st of this year, Labor Councils from Milwaukee to North Carolina, from United Food & Commercial Workers’ UFCW Locals to Teachers’ Unions, marched with a demand that cuts to the heart of today’s crisis: Workers Over Billionaires.

The scale and character of this year’s mobilizations represent something new: The formal re-entry of U.S. Organized Labor into International Workers’ Day, on a national scale, for the first time in generations.

When the people of Minnesota shut down their State to protest ICE occupation in January, the AFL-CIO, Service Employees International Union, Teachers, Unite HERE and the Amalgamated Transit Union were in the lead, showing what’s possible.

In temperatures of minus-30 degrees, more than 100,000 Workers and residents marched and brought much of the economy there to a halt, forcing a partial Federal retreat.

That action is the model for today.

The demands Workers are carrying into the streets reflect the weight of the current moment.

Corporations are waging a coordinated offensive on wages and benefits even as profits soar.

The National AFL-CIO has documented Working Women and People of Color stand to lose the most as employers race to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) - often without Workers’ consent - to hire, monitor, evaluate and even fire Employees.

Nearly 80% of those who will see their jobs erased by AI in the next decade could be earning less than $38,000 a year.

Unions from the Longshoremen to the Las Vegas Culinary Workers have begun writing AI protections directly into contracts, requiring bargaining before any AI implementation.

Meanwhile, corporations have raced to roll back DEI commitments and equal-opportunity programs with barely a word of public accountability.

Workers and community groups are boycotting the companies leading that retreat, particularly Target.

And Immigrants from coast to coast continue to be marked for deportation and harassment as the ruling class tries to split Workers and turn us against one another.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: May Day 2026: U.S. labor movement reclaims International Workers’ Day – People's World And For More, Go To: Hundreds Of Thousands March In May Day “Workers Over Billionaires” Boycott — Schools Shut Across Five States As NEA Leads Largest Labor Mobilization In A Decade - USA Herald

Artificial Intelligence's 'Negative Impact' On Working People: Meta Chief Mark Zuckerberg Says AI Costs 'Contributed To Layoffs Of 8,000 Staffers'

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Antonio Pequeño IV at Forbes reports Meta Chief Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged his company’s spending on Artificial Intelligence (AI) has contributed to layoffs at Meta, according to a recording of an internal meeting reported by The Wall Street Journal. Zuckerberg said “compute and infrastructure” and “people-oriented things” were the main drivers of cost at Meta, acknowledging the company’s increasing investments in AI and saying “that means that we do need to take down the size of the company somewhat,” according to The Journal. Meta is slated to reduce its workforce by 10% soon, cutting 8,000 Employees to offset its spending on AI, according to multiple outlets. Zuckerberg also told Employees Meta could reduce team sizes to take into account the speed and efficiency of AI tools to take care of work, noting: “If a team used to take fifty or one-hundred people and now it takes ten, having fifty or one-hundred people on that team can actually be counterproductive going forward so I think we need to fix that.” Meta’s job cuts are slated to begin on May 20th as the company also ditches plans to fill 6,000 open roles.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: Mark Zuckerberg says AI costs contributed to layoffs of 8,000 staffers, report says

'A Win for Working People Nationwide:' Virginia AFL-CIO 'Celebrates Passage' Of Redistricting Referendum

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The Virginia AFL-CIO is applauding the successful passage of the referendum to temporarily adopt new Congressional Districts in order to fight back against Donald Trump’s redistricting war. Virginia AFL-CIO President Doris Crouse-Mays issued the following statement: This is a win for Working People nationwide. Over the last year, the Trump Administration and his loyalists have attacked Union-powered clean energy projects, ripped up Federal Worker Collective Bargaining Agreements and given even more power to corrupt billionaires. It’s clear the White House is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain control of Congress, even if it means suppressing the voices of Working People. Virginians know that if Trump is allowed to continue to use his influence to redraw maps in his favor, we’re going to see more of the same Anti-Worker agenda that has already wreaked havoc on our jobs and communities. I am proud to say that Working People stood together and demanded an end to billionaires playing games with our Democracy.

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: Multiple lawsuits challenge Virginia’s redistricting election. Here’s where each case stands.

Organized Labor Joins With Performers & Lawmakers To 'Condemn' Paramount's $110 Billion Mega-Merger With Warner-Discovery

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In an orgy of tons of money being thrown around, one monster Hollywood Entertainment Conglomerate, Paramount, bought another, Warner Bros. Discovery, in a $110 billion mega-merger, which could leave Unions, Workers, consumers and Lawmakers on the outside looking in while CEOs enrich themselves and an oligopoly’s clout grows larger.

And that’s even without taking into consideration that big Donald Trump pal David Ellison, the Paramount CEO, hosted the President at a Downtown D.C. bash the night of the deal (April 23rd).

That’s not a coincidence.

The sale drew protests in New York in the morning and outside the White House in the evening.

Paramount, which also owns CBS - and which has turned that network’s news division in a Trump-pleasing direction - and CNN, gobbled up Discovery just months ago.

It won the bidding for Warner by offering $31 a share.

That was four times the trading price of Warner on Securities Exchanges.

The Warner Board, meeting by Zoom on the morning of April 23rd, took just minutes to seal the deal.

Voting numbers were not disclosed.

The loser in the war for Warner - Netflix, didn’t do too badly.

In an indication of the massive amounts of money capitalists throw around in such transactions, Netflix’s Board okayed using the funds it saved from its losing bid for Warner for a $25 billion stock buyback, enriching its investors and its honchos.

In a minor revolt, the Warner Board okayed the Paramount deal, but shareholders, a larger group, revolted against the $551 million golden parachute for Warner’s CEO, David Zaslav, and nine-figure sums for his team.

The stockholder votes are non-binding, though.

Left outside looking in as all this money and clout were exercised were Lawmakers, the Writers Guild of America and 4,000 top performers, led by long-time Political Activist Jane Fonda.

They signed an open letter against the merger.

And other Workers besides the stars fear their jobs could disappear into “economies of scale” - i.e., layoffs and increasing use of Artificial Intelligence to replace them - or both.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Union, lawmakers, performers condemn Paramount’s $110B mega-merger with Warner-Discovery – People's World

The International Association Of Machinists Files An Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against Apple 'Over Discriminatory Treatment of Unionized Workers' At Apple's 'First Unionized Store In The U.S.'

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Apple, alleging the company unlawfully discriminated against Unionized Workers at its Towson, Maryland Retail Store, which is the first Unionized Apple retail location in the United States. The Workers employed there are represented by the IAM. According to the ULP Charge, Apple has denied Towson Employees the ability to access transfer rights and other opportunities provided to non-represented Employees affected by Store closures at other locations. The IAM alleges these actions, taken in retaliation for the Workers’ protected Union activity, constitute discrimination in violation of Federal Labor Law. The ULP charge follows Apple’s decision to close the Towson Store while offering transfer opportunities to Employees at two Non-Union Apple Stores closing in the same timeframe. The Towson Workers, by contrast, have been told they must reapply for positions through the same process as external candidates. “This is about whether Workers are treated fairly under the law or punished for exercising their rights,” IAM Union International President Brian Bryant said. “Apple is denying Union-represented Workers the same opportunities it is giving to others - and doing so because these Workers chose to organize. That is discrimination, and it is exactly what Federal Labor Law is designed to prevent.” The Towson Store employs nearly 90 Workers and serves as a key retail and service hub for the Baltimore Region, providing critical access to Apple products and support for students, Working Families and small businesses. The IAM is calling on Apple to reverse course and treat its Towson Workers fairly.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: IAM Union Files Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against Apple Over Discriminatory Treatment of Unionized Workers - IAM Union

Auto Workers Employed At Tesla, BMW & More 'Move To Join The UAW' - Union Campaigns 'Increase To Involve Employees At 13 Non-Union' Automakers

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Victor Ordonez at ABC News reports thousands of Workers employed at 13 Non-Union Automakers - including Tesla, Toyota, BMW and Nissan, have moved to join the United Auto Workers (UAW). The Auto Workers are signing Union Cards on-line at the UAW's website as part of simultaneous campaigns across the 13 Automakers. The UAW called it an "unprecedented move." "To all the Auto Workers out there working without the benefits of a Union: Now it's your turn," UAW President Shawn Fain said. The drive encompasses nearly 150,000 Auto Workers across BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Lucid, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Rivian, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. The push comes after UAW's weeks-long labor dispute with the Big Three U.S. Automakers - General Motors, Stellantis and Ford, which brought tens of thousands of its Union Members to picket lines. The dispute ended with similar labor deals across the Big Three, which called for a roughly 25% raise over four years, as well as significant improvements on pensions and the right to protest the closure of plants.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: Autoworkers at Tesla, BMW and more move to join UAW, union says - ABC News

Teamster-Represented Costco Workers 'Vote To Authorize Nationwide Strike Over Fair Wages & Benefits' In A New Contract

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Leah Sarnoff and Darren Reynolds at ABC News reports Teamster-represented Workers employed at Costco Wholesale locations across the country have voted to authorize a Strike, with more than 85% of Members in favor of hitting the picket lines. The Teamsters represent more than 18,000 Costco Employees nationally. Union President Sean O’Brien said: "Our Members have spoken loud and clear - Costco must deliver a fair contract or they'll be held accountable." The Teamsters said "fair wages and benefits" are the catalyst for the Strike. According to the Union, the Wholesale Giant recently reported $254 billion in annual revenue and $7.4 billion in net profits, which marked a 135% increase since 2018. "Yet, despite these record gains, the company refuses to meet the Teamsters' demands for fair wages and benefits that reflect the company's enormous success," the Union said.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: Costco's unionized workers vote to authorize nationwide strike - ABC News

After A Three-Week Strike, JBS 'Concedes' To Meatpacking Workers - Company 'Gives In To Nearly Every Demand,' Plus A $1.50 An Hour Wage Increase & 'Ground-Breaking' Policy On Personal Protective Equipment

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Caitlyn Clark and Lisa Xu at LaborNotes report on the 3,800 Meatpacking Workers who are represented by United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 in Greeley, Colorado - who launched the industry’s first major Strike in 40 years. Their three-week Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Strike was the first time Workers had ever struck the JBS Greeley Beef Packing Plant, one of the company’s largest. ULP Charges against JBS included the illegal termination of a Bargaining Committee Member and surveillance and intimidation of Workers for participation in Union activity. With 57 languages spoken under one roof, the Strike united the Plant’s largely Immigrant Workforce to take on the biggest Meatpacking Company in the world. The Local had spent nearly a year in negotiations following the contract’s expiration in July 2025. JBS returned to the bargaining table after the Strike - and when the dust settled, the company had conceded to almost every demand. In addition to $1.50 an hour in wage increases over the short two-year agreement, workers won a ground-breaking policy on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), challenging JBS’s previous system of garnishing wages to replace necessary PPE when it was lost, damaged or stolen. JBS was charging Workers up to $1,100 to pay for mesh vests, gloves, arm guards and knife sharpeners.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: After 3-Week Strike, JBS Concedes to Meatpacking Workers | Labor Notes

Photo Courtesy Of UFCW Local 7’s Facebook Page.

Federal Employee Unions 'Sue To Block 'FLRA's 'Political Seizure' Of Union Elections - 'Warn Fast-Track Changes With The Agency's Political Appointees Will Bog Down, Rather Than Streamline,' The Election Process

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Erich Wagner at Government Executive reports a coalition of Labor Groups are suing the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) in an effort to block new regulations granting the Agency’s political appointees control over Union Elections at Federal Agencies, arguing both that the Agency robbed stakeholders of the opportunity to weigh in on the changes and that the measure would have the opposite effect from its stated aim. Since 1983, the handling of petitions for Union Elections and other petitions relating to the composition of Bargaining Units at Federal Agencies have primarily been handled by the FLRA’s Regional Directors and their Staff - career Employees, with a process by which parties can appeal their decisions to the Authority’s three-member Board, Presidential Appointees confirmed by the Senate. But last month, the FLRA issued an interim final rule wresting control of those petitions from Regional Directors, who the Agency said will now work “collaboratively” with the three-member authority to process, and remove the appeals process. The rule, set to take effect on Thursday (April 23rd), bypassed the notice-and-comment period agencies traditionally employ when they consider major changes to their operating rules. “After reexamination of its practices, the FLRA finds the memorandum of delegated authorities and responsibilities to the (Regional Directors), and the related regulations governing representation matters, merit revision,” the rule states. “The FLRA envisions a streamlined process in which representation matters are resolved through the collaborative efforts of the Regional Offices and the authority - rather than a strict separation of an initial decision by an RD, followed by a possible appeal to, and potentially duplicative decision by, the authority.” The legal challenge - filed by the American Federation of Government Employees, National Association of Government Employees, National Federation of Federal Employees and other Unions, argues the interim rule’s “threadbare” justification for upending four decades of precedent, the peremptory implementation window and failure to seek public comment before finalizing the regulations all amount to the type of “arbitrary and capricious” decision making forbidden by the Administrative Procedure Act.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: Labor groups sue to block FLRA’s political seizure of union elections - Government Executive

AFA-CWA Reaches Tentative Contract Agreement With United Airlines, 'Winning Boarding & Sit Pay'

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Flight Attendants employed at United Airlines and represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-Communications Workers of America (AFA-CWA) have reached a tentative contract agreement with the company after more than four years of bargaining. The agreement came during mediated bargaining and is expected to: Improve base pay rates; Place restrictions on red-eye flying; Provide for sit pay for scheduled and rescheduled sits over 2.5 hours; Increased compensation for retro payments; and Improved language in hotels and electronic notification. This contract would also continue to solidify boarding pay as a new standard for compensation going forward. If ratified, the improved pay scales and boarding pay would go into effect on May 31st. The tentative agreement will go to AFA-CWA Members for a vote starting on April 23rd, with voting concluding on May 12th. The tentative agreement was made possible by the determination of AFA-CWA United Airlines Flight Attendants and the hard work of the AFA-CWA United Master Executive Council.

For More On This Labor News Report, Go To: United Flight Attendants Reach Tentative Agreement - Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

'Republican Attacks On Working People,' Part One: President Trump 'Yanks Dollars From Minnesota Unless It Kills' Project Labor Agreements

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

(HIBBING, MINNESOTA) - In what could be a portent for other Counties and Cities seeking Federal funds for infrastructure projects, the GOP Trump Administration’s Transportation Department is threatening to yank $7.7 million for five County road and bridge projects, unless the County drops its requirements that contractors sign Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). And, given the strong Union Tradition in Minnesota’s Northland, the County Board is - so far - refusing. But it also faces the fact that $7.7 million is a lot of money for a Rural County and that it may seek more Federal funds for other projects down the line and face the same dilemma. Nevertheless, the Trump Administration’s demand “is Union-Busting 101,” said County Board Chair Mike Jugovich, a Steelworker. “I don’t bust Unions. I build them.” Members of the area’s Building and Construction Trades Unions jammed the March 24th meeting of the County Board in Hibbing to speak up strongly for PLAs, which guarantee projects finish with set budgets, high quality, good pay for local Union Workers - not imported cheaper labor, and Labor-Management disputes jointly worked out through cooperation on the job. The requirement about dropping PLAs appears to have come from a series of e-mails from former TV reality star Sean Duffy, now Trump’s Transportation Secretary, and his office, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Trump yanks dollars from Minnesota unless it kills Project Labor Agreements – People's World

'Power In The Hands Of People': Union Leaders 'Push To Revive' The U.S. Labor Movement, Organizers 'Unveil New Drive To Reverse Decline' In Union Membership 'As Workers Seek To Combat Growing Wealth Inequality'

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Michael Sainato at The Guardian reports leaders of some of the largest Unions in the U.S. have unveiled a drive to jumpstart the country’s Labor Movement and combat growing wealth inequality under Donald Trump. To make it easier for Workers to join a Union and strengthen the hand of new Unions negotiating with powerful businesses, a string of prominent Organizers have joined together to launch Union Now, a non-profit designed to increase Labor Union Density. “This is really about trying to put power in the hands of people,” said Sara Nelson, the President of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA)-Communications Workers of America (CWA) - the largest Flight Attendants Union in the U.S. and one of the leaders of the push. She suggested the time had come for Workers to start thinking - in some ways - more like the companies that employ them. “There’s (70%) of Workers who want a Union and (10%) have them,” she said. “If it were a company, they would figure out how to get the product into the hands of the (70%) who wanted it.” The architects of Union Now hope it will provide mobilizing Workers with financial firepower. “The reality is that even if Unions spent all of their money on organizing and all of their efforts on organizing, it wouldn’t be enough,” Nelson said. “They have to also do all the representation of their current Members, have contract fights and all the rest.”

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: ‘Power in the hands of people’: union leaders push to revive ailing US labor movement | US unions | The Guardian And UNION NOW

Los Angeles School Strike 'Averted' - The Service Employees International Union & United Teachers Los Angeles Reach Tentative Contract Agreement With The L.A. Unified School District

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

(LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA) - In the early hours of Tuesday (April 14th) morning, Members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 99 reached a tentative contract agreement (TA) with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). With a TA also in place for their Union Brothers, Sisters and Siblings in the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) - an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the planned work stoppage at the county’s second-largest School District has been called off. The deal covering 30,000 Custodians, Food Workers, Special Education Assistants and Bus Drivers was reached just hours before the Strike deadline. LAUSD settled contracts with 38,000 Member-strong UTLA and the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles over the weekend. SEIU and UTLA both won wage increases, protections against subcontracting and more. “The truth has always been clear - the District CAN afford these changes. With this agreement, resources will begin to be redirected away from unnecessary spending and toward the students and classrooms that need them most,” UTLA Vice President Julie Van Winkle said. “This contract fight has never been about prolonging conflict. It has always been about securing the respect and investments that Educators and students deserve. This TA is a powerful step forward and a momentous win for the Los Angeles School Community.” Local 99 Executive Director Max Arias said: “This agreement was won through the bold action and courage of thousands of Workers who were willing to sacrifice to improve conditions in their schools and their lives. A Strike was always the last resort and we are proud that we could work with the School District and Mayor Karen Bass to reach an agreement that recognizes the contributions of Front-Line Workers in our schools.”

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: LAUSD strike averted: Tentative deal reached with SEIU Local 99, schools to open Tuesday - ABC7 Los Angeles

Photo Courtesy Of The National AFL-CIO.

UFCW Local 7 & JBS Reach Tentative Contract Agreement For 3,800 Striking Union-Represented Workers Employed At The Company's Northern Colorado Meatpacking Plant, Which 'Processes As Much As 8% Of The Country's Beef'

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

Katie Langford at The Denver Post reports United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 - which represents thousands of Northern Colorado Meatpacking Workers, and JBS has reached a tentative contract agreement. The UFCW announced the agreement following two days of negotiations that resumed after a three-week Strike at the Flagship Beef Processing Plant in Greeley. The Union represents 3,800 Workers at the Plant, who Union Officials say face unsafe working conditions and inadequate pay. Thousands of the Company’s Workers walked off the job on March 16th after the UFCW said JBS refused to increase minimum wages and committed Unfair Labor Practices during negotiations. The Strike was the first at an American Meatpacking Plant in four decades and the first walkout at the Greeley Facility, which is also the City’s top employer. JBS is the world’s largest Meatpacking Company and has an estimated value of $17 billion. The Greeley Plant, which operates as Swift Beef Company, processes as much as 8% of the country’s beef.

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: JBS, union reach tentative deal for Colorado meatpacking workers

CWA Members Employed At DirecTV 'Authorize Strike If' Contract Negotiations 'Fail To Reach A Fair' Agreement

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

Communications Workers of America (CWA) Members employed by DirecTV have voted overwhelmingly to give Union Leaders the authority to call a Strike if negotiations between the CWA and the company fail to reach a fair agreement. The Strike Authorization Vote comes as CWA's contract with DirecTV - covering nearly 300 Customer Service Call Center Workers in West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, and Colorado, expired on February 14th (2026). The top priorities for Workers at the bargaining table include higher wages, lower health care costs and fair working conditions - including the ability to take their hard-earned days off and take reasonable breaks between calls. The Union Members demonstrated their commitment to these goals by voting to reject a tentative agreement on March 27th that failed to provide fair working conditions. “We are the Workers DirecTV customers contact when they have problems using the service,” said Dallas Morgan, a Customer Service Representative at DirecTV and member of CWA Local 2009 in Huntington, West Virginia. “The results of the Strike Authorization Vote send a clear message to DirecTV that if the company values the work we provide, they will get serious about negotiating a contract that allows us to take more than a ten-second break in between calls and secures wages that reflect the real cost of living.”

For More On This Labor News Report, Go To: DirecTV CWA union workers authorize strike if contract talks fall short - WV MetroNews

'After No Kings,' Detroit Unions 'Are Mobilizing For May Day'

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

An estimated eight million people turned out to protest at more than 3,000 U.S. destinations on No Kings Day III on March 28th (2026).

It’s described as the largest protest in U.S. History and the largest rebuke of Trump’s Presidency.

As many as 200,000 turned out for the flagship protest in Minneapolis - site of the videotaped ICE murders of Human Rights Supporters Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

The anger expressed in the streets is a response to masked ICE aggression against Immigrants and people wrongly identified as Immigrants, and their defenders.

Minneapolis was particularly targeted for occupation by 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol Agents in retribution against the public display of resistance during the protests of the killing of George Floyd back in 2020.

It was also targeted for its large Somali population, described by President Donald Trump as “garbage.”

The No Kings protesters were also expressing anger over the military attacks against Iran at the hands of the U.S. and Israel and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, in tandem with the deteriorating living conditions for the broad masses across the country.

The overwhelming messaging in the many creative signs held by the demonstrators was in opposition to the Billionaire Class, Trump’s threats to illegally thwart voting rights come the Mid-Term Elections in November - and fascism.

In Detroit and the surrounding region, there were over 25 demonstrations - Downtown, in the suburbs and even the rural sectors where Trump enjoyed electoral support in 2024.

At Woodward Avenue, just north of Detroit, site of the internationally-renowned classic car and hotrod event - the Woodward Dream Cruise, thousands took over the sidewalks and the median of the four-lane boulevard.

Many more in cars, trucks and even semi-truck trailers cruised by with blaring horns and holding their own signs or displaying fists in solidarity.

The overwhelming number of participants were White and ranged considerably by age.

LGBTQ contingents were also present.

While Union Members were among the attendees, Unions were not formally represented.

And, Pro-Trump or MAGA counter-protesters were extremely scarce.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: After No Kings, Detroit unions are mobilizing for May Day – People's World