Labor groups sue Trump admin over social media surveillance of noncitizens
Several major labor unions, including the American Federation of Teachers, Communications Workers of America, and the United Auto Workers, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s surveillance of immigrants’ social media activity. The suit, filed in New York, argues that monitoring and potentially deporting visa holders based on their online posts violates First Amendment protections and suppresses lawful speech. The unions claim that members have scaled back union-related expression out of fear of immigration consequences. The administration has defended its actions by citing national security concerns, while critics argue it's part of a broader campaign to silence political dissent.
See "Labor groups sue Trump admin over social media surveillance of noncitizens", Ja'Han Jones, MSNBC, October 17, 2025
Boeing, striking union to resume contract talks on Monday with federal mediator
Contract talks between Boeing and more than 3,200 striking aerospace workers are set to resume Monday with help from a federal mediator. The workers, based in the St. Louis area, have been on strike since August over disputes regarding wages and job security. Their absence has already delayed F-15EX fighter jet deliveries to the U.S. Air Force. The union recently filed an unfair labor practice charge, accusing Boeing of refusing to bargain in good faith. Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the company’s handling of the situation.
See "Boeing, striking union to resume contract talks on Monday with federal mediator", Dan Catchpole and Nathan Gomes, Reuters, October 17, 2025
NYC Comptroller and other investors urge Starbucks to restart union talks
A group of major Starbucks shareholders — including the New York City Comptroller — is urging the company to return to the bargaining table with its workers’ union after over a year of stalled negotiations. In a public letter, they expressed concerns about the company’s strained labor relations, pointing to hundreds of unfair labor practice complaints and recent store closures, including a prominent unionized location in Seattle. While Starbucks has stated it’s willing to resume talks, union members remain critical of proposals that lack immediate economic benefits. More than 650 Starbucks stores across the U.S. are now unionized.
See "NYC Comptroller and other investors urge Starbucks to restart union talks", Staff, Reuters, October 17, 2025
University police union cites safety and pay concerns amid continuing contract talks
Ongoing contract negotiations between the University of Delaware and its campus police union have sparked growing concerns over pay, staffing, and safety. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 says officers are leaving for better-paying jobs at local police departments, citing a starting salary gap of nearly $20,000. Officers also report being overworked due to understaffing, with some pulling 17-hour shifts and frequent mandatory overtime for campus events. While the university says it’s working in good faith to reach an agreement, the union claims months of delay and misaligned salary comparisons are stalling progress. Talks may move into mediation if no deal is reached soon.
See "University police union cites safety and pay concerns amid continuing contract talks ", Ethan Grandin, The Review, October 15, 2025
Greece sees 2nd general strike this month as unions protest new labor law
Thousands of workers marched through Athens on Tuesday during a 24-hour general strike—the second this month—called by labor unions to oppose a new labor law. The legislation would allow employers to extend shifts up to 13 hours, prompting concerns over exploitation and erosion of work-life balance. Transportation was disrupted nationwide, and unions are demanding the bill be withdrawn, along with broader reforms like a 35-hour work week and restored collective bargaining rights.
See "Greece sees 2nd general strike this month as unions protest new labor law", Staff, AP News, October 15, 2025
Volkswagen's final offer to United Auto Workers made public
A full draft of the contract proposal offered to Chattanooga auto workers has been made public amid stalled negotiations between the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Volkswagen. The company’s offer features a 20% wage increase over four years, a $4,000 signing bonus, and cost-of-living adjustments, alongside reduced healthcare costs and temporary layoff protections. Union leaders, however, have raised concerns about the quality of healthcare benefits and lack of job security, with some accusing Volkswagen of violating federal labor laws. Although strike training has taken place, the UAW has not yet conducted a formal strike authorization vote.
See "Volkswagen's final offer to United Auto Workers made public", Logan Dubel, Local 3 News, October 15, 2025
Contractors protest county's pro-union labor agreement
Small business owners in San Joaquin County voiced strong opposition to a new labor agreement initiative that would prioritize unionized labor in construction projects. The county board voted 4-1 to begin drafting a Community Workforce Training Agreement (CWTA) with local building trades unions, aiming to boost local hiring and apprenticeship opportunities. Non-union contractors argue the agreement could shut them out of public contracts and stifle competition. Supporters, including union leaders and county officials, contend it would create well-paying, local jobs and reduce long commutes for residents. A draft agreement is expected within 90 days.
See "Contractors protest county's pro-union labor agreement", Wes Bowers, Yahoo!News, October 10, 2025
Federal workers share their fears as government shutdown grinds on: "No pay has me anxious"
As the federal government shutdown extends beyond a week, hundreds of thousands of furloughed workers face mounting anxiety over missed paychecks and growing debt. Employees from the National Labor Relations Board told several sources that the shutdown halts investigations into unfair labor practices and leaves both staff and the public without crucial services. Workers earning under $50,000 are especially vulnerable, with many considering credit cards or loans to get by. Others still on the job, like a Department of Veterans Affairs employee, described worsening morale and “moral injury” amid ongoing layoffs and political gridlock. Despite hardships, many federal workers say they remain committed to public service.
See "Federal workers share their fears as government shutdown grinds on: "No pay has me anxious"", Megan Cerullo, CBS News, October 10, 2025
B.C.'s public service workers escalate strike to correctional facilities
The British Columbia General Employees' Union has expanded its strike to include all unionized staff in the province's adult correctional facilities, increasing the number of affected sites to over 470 and involving 25,000 public workers. The union says this move reflects frustration over the government's slow response in contract negotiations. While the province insists essential services at jails remain unaffected, other programming may be reduced. The strike, now in its sixth week, follows rallies and demonstrations across British Columbia. Separately, the Professional Employees Association also intensified its job actions, calling for higher wage increases than the government’s current offer.
See "B.C.'s public service workers escalate strike to correctional facilities", Staff, Penticton Herald, October 10, 2025
Former heads of US Bureau of Labor Statistics say Trump's attacks erode trust in data
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.
See "Former heads of US Bureau of Labor Statistics say Trump's attacks erode trust in data", Lucia Mutikani, Reuters, October 8, 2025
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