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Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have restarted negotiations with contracts set to expire May 22, raising fears of another strike or a lockout. Businesses are already shifting shipments to avoid the major delays seen during last year's strike, with experts saying companies are much better prepared this time. Some expect a lockout is more likely than a strike, as Canada Post struggles financially and may not afford another disruption. If no deal is reached, government intervention, as seen in past disputes, remains a possibility. Retailers and shipping companies are already taking steps like rerouting deliveries and warning customers.

The Trump administration issued an executive order citing national security to strip collective bargaining rights from over 1 million federal workers. Union leaders argue this is part of a broader attempt to weaken labor unions nationwide, warning the lawsuits could reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump officials claim the move is necessary to preserve presidential authority, while unions call it illegal retaliation aimed at silencing dissent. Courts have already granted some preliminary blocks on the order, and unions are filing motions to dismiss the administration’s lawsuits. Next steps include court rulings on the dismissals and possible escalation to the Supreme Court.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, once opposed by labor unions during his 2021 election, is now gaining their support as he seeks reelection. After stepping in to personally negotiate a city-union contract in 2023—offering $180 million more than initial limits—Harrell improved his relationship with labor groups that had once backed his opponent. Supporters say he’s proven a strong partner for unions, though critics argue his deal worsened Seattle’s budget problems. Harrell has already secured key endorsements, and while there are some recent tensions over office returns and budget cuts, labor leaders largely see him as the safest bet for 2025.

Numerous May Day protests are planned throughout the Bay Area today, with rallies in cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose focusing on labor rights, immigration issues, and judicial independence. A major protest involves thousands of University of California employees striking over a hiring freeze they argue harms patient care and worker conditions. Meanwhile, activists in San Francisco are speaking out against attacks on judges, and in San Jose, organizers are highlighting immigrant safety and rights. Protesters see these demonstrations as necessary to protect workers and vulnerable communities, while institutions like UCSF emphasize their efforts to keep services running and hope to resolve disputes through dialogue.

Earlier this week, doctors employed by both RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers University voted to unionize, joining the American Association of University Professors-Biological and Health Sciences New Jersey. The doctors, known as "clinically focused university practitioners," cited low starting salaries and fewer benefits compared to Rutgers-hired peers as major reasons for organizing. While RWJBarnabas said it respects the right to unionize and aims to work toward a fair contract, the company had initially encouraged a "no" vote and brought in consultants to oppose unionization. Union supporters view this as a necessary step toward fairer treatment, while RWJBarnabas appears focused on maintaining smooth operations and quality patient care despite the shift.

Facing lower-than-expected results, new CEO Brian Niccol said Starbucks will bring back more staff and reduce reliance on automated systems that had replaced baristas. Niccol argued that technology alone couldn’t deliver the personal service customers expect, and he plans to simplify menus, adjust pricing, and refocus on in-store experiences. Some see this as a necessary correction to win back frustrated customers, while others question if it will be enough to reverse ongoing sales drops. Starbucks is also testing fresh baking and other small touches to encourage customers to spend more time in its cafes.

The Patent Office Professional Association (POPA) has filed an unfair labor practice charge against the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, claiming the agency unlawfully blocked a union representative from speaking at a town hall in March. POPA says the meeting involved workplace policies, giving the union the right to participate under federal labor law. The union also announced separate grievances over new return-to-office rules and suspended training programs.

The Oakland Education Association has called for a one-day strike on Thursday, accusing the district of withholding key financial information and making cuts that impact schools. District leaders argue they have already responded to nearly all union information requests and warn that another strike could disrupt student learning and damage trust. Tensions are running high as the district faces a looming budget deficit and leadership changes, with both sides under pressure to resolve the dispute before the strike begins. School officials say campuses will stay open regardless.

A Los Angeles Times investigation found that LAFD union president Freddy Escobar earned about $540,000 in 2022, with massive overtime payouts on top of a six-figure union stipend, even as he criticized budget shortfalls. The LAFD is now reviewing its overtime and union leave policies, while the union faces a separate financial audit from its national parent organization. Supporters argue the overtime reflects critical staffing shortages, but critics say it shows poor oversight and misuse of taxpayer funds. Next steps could include deeper financial reforms, possible leadership changes, and efforts to expand firefighter hiring to reduce overtime reliance.

Transit workers in Hyattsville, Maryland walked off the job early Thursday morning amid a breakdown in contract talks with Martz Gold Line. Represented by ATU Local 689, the striking bus operators, mechanics, and technicians accuse the company of stalling negotiations and offering subpar wages that fall short of industry standards. Union leaders say Martz has refused to revise its latest rejected offer, while workers have been without a valid contract since January. The strike affects commuter routes operated under the Maryland Transit Administration, though Martz has yet to publicly respond.