Catherwood LibraryILR School

A last-minute deal in Michigan will ease the impact of new wage and sick leave laws before they take effect. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the compromise, which lowers required paid sick leave for small businesses and preserves a limited tip credit instead of eliminating it. However, the state’s plan to raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2027 remains in place. The agreement is a relief for businesses but a setback for worker advocates pushing to end the tip credit. The changes follow a Michigan Supreme Court ruling that revived the laws after a lengthy legal battle.

Four major labor unions are urging President Donald Trump to strengthen U.S. shipbuilding and impose tariffs on China, citing its growing dominance in the industry. The unions argue that Chinese government subsidies have harmed American workers and national security, with China producing over 1,000 ships in 2023 while the U.S. built fewer than ten. They previously petitioned for trade penalties under the Biden administration and are now pressing Trump to take action. The White House says it is exploring options, while Trump has acknowledged the decline in U.S. shipbuilding and expressed interest in reviving the industry.

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration can proceed with mass firings of federal employees, rejecting a legal challenge from labor unions. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper acknowledged the widespread disruption caused by the firings but stated that the matter likely falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Labor Relations Authority rather than the courts. The decision allows the administration to continue its efforts to downsize the federal workforce, a move unions argue is an illegal attempt to bypass Congress. Despite the setback, union leaders have vowed to keep fighting the policy through legal channels.

Stop & Shop employees across New England are preparing to strike over a contract dispute involving the potential closure of a distribution warehouse in Freetown, Massachusetts. The company plans to transition to a third-party operator unless union workers give up their healthcare plan, a move the Teamsters Local 25 claims is union busting. In response, the union is threatening to picket every Stop & Shop location in the region, with support from other labor groups. Negotiations have stalled, and without an agreement, the warehouse could close by the end of the month.

Despite receiving strong performance reviews, many federal workers were recently dismissed as part of the Trump administration’s effort to cut government staff. The firings targeted probationary employees across multiple agencies, some of whom had received promotions, bonuses, and commendations shortly before being let go. Legal experts warn that citing performance as a reason could expose the administration to legal challenges, and labor groups have already sued, arguing the dismissals exceeded federal authority. Many affected employees plan to appeal their terminations.

Prosecutors from Cook county have formally petitioned to unionize after Illinois State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke missed a deadline to voluntarily recognize their proposed bargaining unit. The Teamsters, representing the prosecutors, argue that Burke previously pledged to support unionization but is now deferring to legal precedent that bars assistant state’s attorneys from forming a union. The state’s attorney’s office maintains that changes to Illinois law are needed before recognition is possible. In response, the Teamsters are pursuing legislative and constitutional avenues to secure union rights, signaling a potential legal battle ahead.

Hong Kong’s unemployment rate remained unchanged in recent months, reflecting stability in the job market. Labor Secretary Chris Sun acknowledged steady employment levels but cautioned that global economic challenges could pressure some businesses. The government expects conditions to stay stable in the near future.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) dismissed several probationary employees as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to downsize the federal workforce. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reported that over 500 FDIC employees had been with the agency for less than a year, making them more vulnerable to layoffs. Critics warn the cuts could weaken the FDIC, which already faces staffing shortages, especially after recent bank failures. The agency declined to comment, and the full impact of the layoffs remains unclear.

A federal judge refused to immediately block Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from firing federal employees or accessing government databases, though she acknowledged concerns about Musk’s unchecked authority. Democratic-led states argued that DOGE was unconstitutional since it was not created by Congress and Musk was not confirmed by the Senate. The judge ruled that their request was too broad and speculative but left the door open for future rulings. Critics fear DOGE’s actions threaten state-run programs, while the White House has not commented. Other lawsuits against DOGE are pending, with mixed rulings so far.

New Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin is focusing on a pro-worker and union-friendly agenda in an effort to strengthen the party’s ties with labor groups. He argues that Democrats need to regain workers’ trust, especially after recent setbacks. Some critics say the party’s messaging has been inconsistent and that this new approach may not be enough to win back support. Martin’s strategy could influence how Democrats campaign in upcoming elections. If successful, it may help the party reconnect with key voting blocs and counter Republican efforts to weaken union power.