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Enel reached an agreement with national unions to hire 1,000 new workers at its power‑distribution arm, E‑Distribuzione, resolving a two‑year labor dispute. The deal addresses staffing shortages, shift organization, and operational issues that unions had long criticized. Workers must still vote to approve the agreement, which also commits Enel to reopening broader negotiations on network management, concessions, and investment plans. The hiring plan marks a significant concession after months of worker mobilization.

Illinois labor unions are urging Gov. JB Pritzker to oppose legislation that would authorize a pilot program for Waymo’s autonomous vehicles in Cook County and other large counties. Union leaders warn that self‑driving cars threaten transit and rideshare jobs and raise safety concerns, citing federal investigations into Waymo vehicles for traffic violations and incidents involving emergency vehicles and children. The bill, introduced by Rep. Kam Buckner, remains stalled in the House Rules Committee with no clear path forward. Waymo continues mapping Chicago streets as it pushes for eventual approval.

Disney is eliminating roughly 1,000 jobs as new CEO Josh D’Amaro begins a company‑wide restructuring aimed at streamlining operations. The cuts fall heavily on the marketing division, which was recently consolidated, but also affect studio, TV, ESPN, product, technology, and corporate roles. D’Amaro told employees the company must become more agile and technologically oriented amid declining TV revenues, shrinking box office returns, and intensified competition. The layoffs follow earlier rounds in 2023, when Disney cut 7,000 jobs to reduce costs.

Prosecutors say Chamel Abdulkarim intentionally set multiple fires inside a Kimberly‑Clark warehouse in Ontario, California, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Investigators allege he filmed himself igniting pallets and later bragged about the destruction, comparing himself to arsonist Luigi Mangione. Abdulkarim faces federal and state arson charges, including aggravated arson for damage exceeding $10 million. Authorities are still examining motive, though messages recovered from his phone referenced anger over workplace issues.

New U.S. unemployment claims rose to 219,000 in early April, a slight increase but still consistent with a strong labor market. Layoffs remain historically low, and continuing claims also fell, suggesting workers are finding new jobs quickly. Economists say the labor market shows no signs of weakening despite geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices. The data reinforces expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates steady until inflation cools further.

Harvard’s graduate student union set April 21 as its strike date after months of stalled negotiations with the university. Union leaders say Harvard has refused to move on wages, international‑student protections, and third‑party arbitration for harassment cases. A strike authorization vote passed with nearly 96% support, signaling strong member backing for escalation. Only one bargaining session remains before the deadline, and the union says a strike will proceed unless Harvard offers meaningful concessions.

Workers at the JBS‑owned Swift Beef plant in Greeley are temporarily halting their strike after the company agreed to resume negotiations. Thousands of employees had walked out in mid‑March over demands for higher wages, improved safety equipment policies, and lower healthcare premiums. The pause does not signal a settlement, as the union says it will continue pushing until JBS addresses what it calls unfair labor practices. The article notes that the strike has national implications because the plant processes roughly 5% of U.S. beef capacity, and prolonged disruption could influence beef prices.

Transport workers across Manila launched a two‑day strike in response to soaring fuel prices that have more than doubled since the outbreak of the Iran war. Drivers of jeepneys, ride‑hailing vehicles, and other public transport say they are unable to feed their families, pay rent, or access promised government cash aid, leaving many on the brink of eviction. Protesters are demanding sweeping government action, including scrapping fuel taxes, reversing deregulation, raising fares, and increasing wages. The strike has caused major delays in one of Asia’s most congested cities, though many commuters expressed sympathy for the workers’ situation.

There is a growing criticism of the British Medical Association after its own employees launched a strike over a 2.75% pay offer that falls well below inflation. While the BMA is demanding a 26% “full pay restoration” for resident doctors, it has told its staff that budget pressures prevent it from offering more, prompting accusations of double standards from the GMB union. The dispute unfolded as tens of thousands of resident doctors in England began a six‑day walkout, rejecting a government proposal that would have raised their pay by an average of 4.9%. Government officials argue that doctors have already received substantial increases in recent years, while BMA leaders say the offer still fails to address long‑term pay erosion.

The White House announced that President Donald Trump has instructed the Department of Homeland Security to distribute back pay to all federal employees affected by the recent government shutdown. According to the report, the directive aims to ensure that workers receive compensation promptly after weeks of uncertainty. The administration framed the move as a step toward restoring stability following the shutdown’s operational disruptions. The article also notes that the order covers both essential and furloughed personnel.