Strike wave + union bargaining + global labor governance + new worker protections + federal worker fights
Key Questions
What recent strike votes or actions have unions taken?
Nexteer UAW workers voted 86% to strike, LIRR workers number 3,500, JBS Greeley reached 99%, and Harvard grad workers are in their 5th week. Samsung chip workers ended their strike with bonuses, while SoFi Stadium workers canceled theirs after securing a $40/hr deal including an ICE clause.
What major legislative wins have occurred for labor recently?
The Faster Labor Contracts Act passed, Massachusetts introduced rideshare sectoral bargaining, and New York enacted the Anti-Waiver Act. A Supreme Court win supported delivery drivers, and Chicago expanded its Fair Workweek ordinance.
How has New York City enforced worker rights against employers?
NYC recovered $2.3 million for 1,600 workers from Walgreens due to schedule and leave violations. Connecticut now requires arbitrators to be state-licensed, countering forced arbitration practices.
What actions has the AFL-CIO or Congress taken on organizing and federal workers?
The AFL-CIO doubled its organizing goal, and H.R. 2550 passed the House to restore federal worker union rights. Ilhan Omar questioned the NLRB about ties to Amazon.
What concerns exist around new DOL rules and prison labor?
DOL pro-employer rules threaten overtime protections, and a report highlights loopholes in prison labor. Warehouse worker rights guides detail quota disclosure laws and OSHA protections in states like Connecticut and Rhode Island.
How are unions addressing AI and unpaid labor issues?
SAG-AFTRA is fighting against AI impacts on performers. A fired intern rallied against NYC Council's use of unpaid labor, drawing dozens of protesters to City Hall.
What global or international labor developments are noted?
Fears are rising that a new 'EU Inc' status could threaten workers' rights across Europe. Labor Notes 2026 attracted 4,700 workers, highlighting global governance themes.
What new worker protections have been expanded in states?
Connecticut's law mandates state-licensed arbitrators, and Chicago expanded Fair Workweek rules. A federal judge blocked FLRA's Trump-era power grab affecting union elections.
Strike wave continues: Nexteer UAW 86% strike vote; LIRR 3,500; JBS Greeley 99%; Cargill lockout; Harvard grad workers 5th week. Samsung chip workers end strike with bonuses. SoFi Stadium workers cancel strike after $40/hr deal with ICE clause. Major wins: Faster Labor Contracts Act, MA rideshare sectoral bargaining, NY Anti-Waiver Act, SCOTUS win for delivery drivers, Chicago Fair Workweek expansion. NYC recovers $2.3M for 1,600 workers from Walgreens for schedule/leave violations. CT law requires arbitrators to be state-licensed—a win against forced arbitration. Ilhan Omar grills NLRB over Amazon ties; AFL-CIO doubles organizing goal. DOL pro-employer rules threaten overtime; prison labor loophole report. H.R. 2550 passes House restoring federal worker union rights. SAG-AFTRA vs AI. Federal judge blocks FLRA's Trump-era power grab. Warehouse worker rights guide covers quota disclosure laws, OSHA protections, state wins in CT and RI. Fired intern rallies against NYC Council's unpaid labor. Podcast '99 Rising' from SEIU Local 99 launches. Fears new 'EU Inc' threatens workers' rights. Labor Notes 2026 drew 4,700 workers.