Mexico seeks to solve problems that led to mine strikes, president says
President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government is working to resolve strikes at three mines, including a major copper mine in Sonora. She emphasized the importance of improving miner safety and protecting the environment. The strikes have been ongoing for some time, but she did not name all affected sites.
See "Mexico seeks to solve problems that led to mine strikes, president says", Stefanie Eschenbacher, Reuters, April 10, 2025
All-night shifts for teen workers? Critics see looser child labor laws harming students
Two proposed Florida bills aim to loosen restrictions on teen labor by allowing longer hours, including overnight shifts, for 16- and 17-year-olds—even during the school year. Supporters, including Governor Ron DeSantis, argue the changes could help address workforce shortages and give families more control over teens’ schedules. Critics, including labor advocates and education groups, worry the bills could lead to student exhaustion, workplace injuries, and declining academic performance. Opponents also point to Florida's existing issues with child labor law violations and the lack of a dedicated enforcement agency. The legislation builds on previous rollbacks and continues to draw strong reactions from both sides as it advances in the state legislature.
See "All-night shifts for teen workers? Critics see looser child labor laws harming students", Wayne Washington, The Palm Beach Post, April 10, 2025
Supreme Court lets Donald Trump fire independent board members – for now
The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily sided with Donald Trump on April 10, allowing him to remove two Democratic members from independent federal labor boards while their lawsuits continue. Trump aims to expand presidential control over agencies like the National Labor Relations Board and the Merit Systems Protection Board, both of which currently include officials he wants to replace. The Democrats argue their firings are illegal under long-standing protections, but Trump says they block his ability to carry out his agenda. The case could challenge a 1935 precedent limiting presidential power over independent agencies. A final ruling may reshape how presidents interact with regulatory boards across government.
See "Supreme Court lets Donald Trump fire independent board members – for now", Aysha Bagchi and Erin Mansfield, USA Today, April 10, 2025
Thousands protest in Athens as strike over wages halts ships, planes and trains
On April 9, thousands of Greeks took to the streets of Athens as a nationwide strike disrupted flights, ferries, and public transit. Workers from multiple sectors protested stagnant wages that haven't kept up with soaring costs of living, despite economic recovery since Greece’s debt crisis. Labor unions say inflation has eroded purchasing power, with many households struggling to afford basics like housing and food. Protesters are calling for meaningful pay increases and the return of bonuses lost during austerity. The government has pledged gradual wage hikes but insists it must remain fiscally cautious due to high national debt.
See "Thousands protest in Athens as strike over wages halts ships, planes and trains", Angeliki Koutantou and Stamos Prousalis, Reuters, April 9, 2025
Penn affiliates join Labor for Higher Education rally outside Sen. Dave McCormick’s office
University of Pennsylvania students, faculty, and union members joined a rally in Philadelphia demanding a reversal of federal funding cuts to education, healthcare, and research. Held outside Sen. Dave McCormick’s office, the protest was part of a national day of action organized by Labor for Higher Education and other unions. Speakers criticized recent Trump administration policies, arguing they endanger public programs and scientific progress. A letter from over 50,000 union members was delivered urging McCormick to oppose the cuts and hold a public forum. Protesters said the cuts threaten jobs, health, and education access, and called for collective action to defend public investment.
See "Penn affiliates join Labor for Higher Education rally outside Sen. Dave McCormick’s office", Christine Oh and Finn Ryan, The Daily Pennsylvanian, April 9, 2025
Federal prison employee union in Phoenix among those targeted by Trump administration
Prison staff at FCI Phoenix are losing both pay incentives and potentially union representation as part of the Trump administration’s cost-cutting measures. A 10% retention incentive has already been halved and is set to be eliminated by July, worrying staff about morale, safety, and retention. Employees are also concerned about being forced to house ICE detainees without proper preparation or staffing. Trump’s executive order excludes agencies like the Bureau of Prisons from collective bargaining rights, prompting lawsuits and countersuits between unions and the administration. Union leaders call the move “100% union busting” and warn it could severely undermine prison operations and public safety.
See "Federal prison employee union in Phoenix among those targeted by Trump administration", Jimmy Jenkins and Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, April 9, 2025
‘Trump and Musk are setting the example’: how companies are becoming emboldened to be more anti-union
Corporate resistance to unions appears to be growing as recent actions by President Trump and Elon Musk signal a more aggressive stance toward organized labor. Labor experts say moves like firing federal employees with union protections, halting union elections, and weakening labor boards could encourage other employers to follow suit. Musk’s SpaceX is even challenging the constitutionality of the NLRB, and a new Utah law has banned collective bargaining for public workers. Critics worry this could mirror the post-PATCO shift in the 1980s when employers became more openly hostile to unions. While some companies may hold back due to potential backlash, union leaders warn the labor movement may need to escalate its response to defend worker protections.
See "‘Trump and Musk are setting the example’: how companies are becoming emboldened to be more anti-union", Steven Greenhouse, The Guardian, April 8, 2025
Portland Police Union Tries to Join the Northwest Oregon Labor Council, Stirring a Quarrel
A recent vote by the executive board of the Northwest Oregon Labor Council (NOLC) to admit the Portland Police Association (PPA) has stirred controversy within the labor community. Although the board initially approved the PPA’s entry, backlash—especially from the Portland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America—has led NOLC to bring the decision to a full vote among its 104 affiliate unions. Critics argue the police union’s inclusion undermines labor values tied to racial and social justice, while supporters, including NOLC leadership, say union solidarity is essential amid national threats to labor rights. The final decision will be made later this month.
See "Portland Police Union Tries to Join the Northwest Oregon Labor Council, Stirring a Quarrel", Sophie Peel, Willamette Week, April 8, 2025
Unions move to block Trump from nixing bargaining for federal workers
A coalition of unions is asking a federal judge in San Francisco to block a new executive order that would strip collective bargaining rights from hundreds of thousands of federal workers. The unions argue the move is unconstitutional and retaliatory, targeting labor groups that have challenged federal policies in court. The order affects major agencies like the Departments of Justice, Defense, and State, and could weaken unions’ power to protect workers and challenge government actions. Several lawsuits are now underway, with union leaders warning the order could dismantle key union structures and silence federal employees.
See "Unions move to block Trump from nixing bargaining for federal workers", Daniel Wiessner, Reuters, April 8, 2025
Sacramento interim city manager told employees to expect layoffs, union says
Facing a $44 million budget gap, Sacramento city employees have been warned of possible layoffs, according to a letter from their largest union. The union, Stationary Engineers Local 39, claims Interim City Manager Leyne Milstein told workers layoffs were coming and that the city wouldn’t offer furloughs or early retirement as alternatives. The letter also says only lower-level employees—not management—are expected to be affected. City officials pushed back, saying her remarks were misunderstood during informal staff meetings meant to update employees on the city's financial outlook.
See "Sacramento interim city manager told employees to expect layoffs, union says", Mathew Miranda, The Sacramento Bee, April 7, 2025
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