Catherwood LibraryILR School

Two former commissioners of the Bureau of Labor Statistics expressed concern that recent criticism of the agency has contributed to a loss of trust and the departure of senior staff. At a Cato Institute event, they noted that 12 of 35 senior leaders have left and emphasized the need to modernize data collection methods. The remarks followed repeated public statements from President Trump questioning the accuracy of jobs data. The former officials argued that strong public confidence is essential for the agency’s mission.

The AFL-CIO is pushing back against the Senate’s proposed crypto legislation, warning it lacks worker safeguards and enables risky financial practices. In a letter to Senate Banking leaders, the union called the Responsible Financial Innovation Act a “facade of regulation” that could endanger pensions and reduce oversight. The bill would allow FDIC-insured banks to hold crypto and permit retirement plans to invest in it, raising fears of 2008-style financial risks.

Labor and community groups are calling for a boycott of Airbnb over its $120 million lawsuit against San Francisco. At a rally outside the company’s headquarters, city supervisors and union leaders argued the lawsuit diverts critical public funds. They urged travelers to choose unionized hotels or compliant rental platforms instead. A boycott website has been launched to build support.

A Pratt & Whitney worker in Middletown has filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board against leaders of the International Association of Machinists Local Lodge 700. Christopher Utley alleges union officials violated his rights by disciplining him after he resigned from the union and continued working during a May strike. He also claims leaders falsely told him Pratt & Whitney was a “closed shop” requiring union membership or termination. Utley is being represented for free by the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation.

A federal review into Australia’s welfare compliance system has come under fire after multiple errors were found in a $440,000 report partly generated using AI. The report, prepared for the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, included fabricated references and flawed citations. Deloitte, the consulting firm behind it, agreed to refund part of its fee but defended the report’s conclusions. Critics say the incident raises concerns about overreliance on AI and the quality control of outsourced government work.

No layoffs have occurred yet from the ongoing government shutdown, though the White House warned they may be imminent. Senate efforts to pass funding bills have stalled as Democrats insist on healthcare subsidy extensions. President Trump’s claim that layoffs were happening “right now” was later clarified to refer to furloughed workers. As the shutdown enters its seventh day, pressure is mounting with possible delays to military pay and air travel.

After speaking out about poor working conditions at the Kettle Chips plant in Salem, Alejandra Marcos was fired but later won a $35,000 labor dispute settlement. The company offered to reinstate her, but she declined, prioritizing justice over compensation. As part of the agreement, the employers had to train managers on labor rights and post notices affirming workers’ protections. Marcos says her fight was to prevent others from facing the same injustice.

During a confirmation hearing for his nomination to the NLRB, Boeing’s labor attorney Scott Mayer faced tough questioning from Senators Josh Hawley and Bernie Sanders over the ongoing St. Louis strike. The senators criticized Boeing for underpaying its machinists while awarding multi-million-dollar exit packages to executives. Sanders called the union's proposal fair and modest, comparing it to a more generous contract Boeing signed in Washington. Mayer distanced himself from the dispute, claiming he wasn’t involved in negotiations.

Montreal’s second transit strike is ending with no deal reached between maintenance workers and the city’s transit agency. The work stoppage limited metro and bus service to rush hours for more than two weeks. Union leaders have warned a third strike could follow if negotiations remain stalled.

President Trump’s nominees to the National Labor Relations Board told a Senate panel they would remain independent in their decision-making, despite growing concerns over political influence following the firing of a Democratic board member. James Murphy and Scott Mayer, the two nominees, stressed their commitment to applying the law impartially, even as Trump asserts greater control over independent agencies. Lawmakers pressed them on labor disputes and the board’s mounting case backlog, which has grown since the NLRB lost its quorum. While supporters view the nominees as experienced and capable, critics worry that recent executive actions could erode the board’s autonomy. A full Senate vote will follow if the committee approves their appointments.