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Maryland lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow firefighters and rescue workers to use medical cannabis off duty without facing employer penalties. Supporters argue that medical cannabis should be treated like other doctor-prescribed medications and can help with job-related conditions like chronic pain and PTSD. The bill, which passed the Senate and awaits movement in the House, would still prohibit on-the-job impairment. Opponents worry about the lack of reliable impairment testing, leading to an amendment requiring employers to report impaired workers. If passed, this could set a precedent for expanding protections to other professions.

Nearly 60,000 University of California workers are set to strike on April 1, marking the third walkout in four months over alleged unfair labor practices. The University Professional and Technical Employees-Communications Workers of America 9119 and AFSCME Local 3299 argue that UC has engaged in bad-faith bargaining and failed to address staffing shortages that impact patient care and research. UC officials counter that the strikes put financial strain on the system and insist they have offered competitive wage increases and reduced healthcare costs for lower-paid workers. Union leaders, however, say affordability issues and heavy workloads are driving employees to leave, worsening vacancies. The strike follows mounting frustration, with union protests at UC Board of Regents meetings and accusations that the university is eroding union influence.

Australia’s mutual obligations system has come under scrutiny after more than 10,000 jobseekers may have had their payments wrongfully reduced or cancelled. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) acknowledged the system was not operating in line with the law and paused certain payment reductions. Welfare advocates condemned the failure, drawing comparisons to the robodebt scandal and calling for an end to mutual obligations. Government reviews are ongoing, but advocates argue affected individuals should receive automatic compensation without facing a complex appeals process. The federal ombudsman is also investigating the compliance framework.

A regional council meeting in Waterloo, Ontario, was disrupted Wednesday as striking workers shouted “shame” at councillors. The workers, joined by labor leaders, gathered outside before entering the meeting, where they called out officials by name and blew a horn. The strike, now in its third week, involves workers in public services like water, road maintenance, and emergency vehicle upkeep, who are demanding higher wages. The union accuses the region of backing out of a previous contract offer, though both sides recently exchanged proposals. Local officials say they remain open to negotiations.

Job opportunities in the U.S. are becoming more limited, even as layoffs remain low. Weekly unemployment claims rose slightly to 223,000, while continuing claims increased to nearly 1.9 million, indicating that unemployed workers are staying on benefits longer. Economists cite high interest rates, policy uncertainty, and trade tensions as reasons businesses are cautious about hiring. Small business spending is also slowing, which could further impact job growth. The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady but still expects to cut them later this year.

The Democratic primary for Pittsburgh mayor has divided labor unions, with some backing incumbent Ed Gainey and others supporting challenger Corey O’Connor. Progressive-leaning unions, including teachers, healthcare workers, and Starbucks employees, stand behind Gainey for his strong pro-labor stance. Meanwhile, O’Connor has gained endorsements from business-friendly unions like the Pittsburgh Building Trades Council, which criticizes Gainey for stalled economic development. He has also secured support from several municipal unions representing city workers. While union leadership is split, the votes of rank-and-file members may ultimately decide the race.

A new union, the United Videogame Workers-CWA Local 9433, has been launched in partnership with the Communications Workers of America and the American Federation of Musicians. Announced at the 2025 Game Developer Conference, it will represent freelancers, contractors, indie developers, and those already organizing in the industry. The formation follows widespread layoffs, with over 25,000 jobs lost in the past two years. The union is pushing for greater job stability, severance benefits, and worker control over AI use. Organizers say they aim to reshape the industry to prioritize workers over corporate profits.

A $28 million settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit accusing Google of favoring white and Asian employees over Hispanic, Latino, Indigenous, and other minority workers in pay and career advancement. Former employee Ana Cantu led the lawsuit, alleging the company assigned white and Asian workers to higher job levels and denied raises and promotions to others. While Google denies any wrongdoing, the settlement covers over 6,600 employees in California between 2018 and 2024. A final approval hearing is set for September.

A labor bill in Colorado, Senate Bill 5, is nearing passage, but Governor Jared Polis may veto it, sparking a political showdown. The bill, backed by Democrats and labor groups, would remove a rule requiring unions to pass two elections before negotiating dues and fees, a change opposed by business leaders and Polis. In response, the AFL-CIO has introduced a ballot measure requiring "just cause" for firings, while a conservative think tank has filed a competing right-to-work measure. Negotiations continue, but no compromise has been reached. If Polis vetoes the bill, unions may push for broader labor protections in future elections.

The Washington State Senate passed a bill that would allow striking workers to receive unemployment benefits for up to four weeks, with payments averaging $757 per week. Supporters argue the measure levels the playing field for workers facing financial hardship during labor disputes, while opponents warn it could increase costs for employers. The bill includes safeguards like a 12-week cap, an annual review, and a 10-year sunset provision. If approved by the House and signed by the governor, Washington would join New York and New Jersey in offering this benefit.