Right-to-work bill killed by Republican-controlled New Hampshire House
New Hampshire’s Republican-controlled House voted 200-180 to indefinitely postpone a right-to-work bill, preventing it from being reconsidered this year or next. The legislation, backed by conservative group Americans for Prosperity, aimed to ban union membership requirements in workplaces but faced strong opposition from labor unions. Despite Republican gains in the legislature, 25 GOP lawmakers sided with Democrats to reject the bill, with some citing support for Trump’s pro-labor shift. Governor Kelly Ayotte, who favors right-to-work laws, expressed confidence in the state’s business climate despite the bill’s failure.
See "Right-to-work bill killed by Republican-controlled New Hampshire House", Steven Porter, Boston Globe, February 14, 2025
Compromise to anti-union bill ‘back in play’ after GOP senator meets with Utah labor leaders
Utah labor leaders are making a final push to modify HB267, a bill that would prohibit collective bargaining for public employee unions. While the bill is awaiting Governor Spencer Cox’s decision, Senator David Hinkins has proposed an alternative that would require unions to undergo recertification votes every five years instead of an outright ban. Although union leaders still oppose restrictions, they view Hinkins’ version as a better option. Legislative leaders, however, seem reluctant to reconsider the bill. If Cox signs it into law, unions may attempt to overturn it through a 2026 voter referendum.
See "Compromise to anti-union bill ‘back in play’ after GOP senator meets with Utah labor leaders", Robert Gehrke and Carmen Nesbitt, The Salt Lake Tribune, February 14, 2025
Unions sue Trump, fearing mass firings of federal employees
Unions representing federal workers have sued the Trump administration, claiming its buyout plan unlawfully bypasses Congress and could lead to mass firings. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the plan while deciding whether to extend the hold, giving labor groups a short-term victory. Meanwhile, Trump has directed agencies to collaborate with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to identify employees for potential layoffs.
See "Unions sue Trump, fearing mass firings of federal employees ", Jonathan Stempel, Reuters, February 14, 2025
Judge clears way for Trump’s plan to downsize federal workforce with buyouts
A federal judge ruled that labor unions lack standing to challenge President Trump’s deferred resignation program, clearing the way for the administration to downsize the federal workforce. The plan, led by adviser Elon Musk, offers financial incentives for employees to leave their jobs while continuing to receive pay until September 30. The White House claims tens of thousands have accepted the offer, while unions argue it is illegal and sought to block it. The Justice Department defended the program as a "humane off-ramp" for workers ordered back to office after remote work arrangements.
See "Judge clears way for Trump’s plan to downsize federal workforce with buyouts", Lindsay Whitehurst, PBS News, February 13, 2025
Tens of thousands in Belgium protest over pension reforms, halting air traffic
Tens of thousands of Belgian workers protested in Brussels against proposed pension reforms that they say will force them to work longer for less retirement pay. The reforms reward those working past retirement with 35 years of service but penalize early retirees without that threshold, disproportionately affecting lower-income earners. Police clashed with demonstrators outside coalition party headquarters, using tear gas and water cannons. The strike disrupted flights, public transport, and postal services, with firefighters and military personnel joining. Workers argue the changes betray their contributions and will strain local governments and taxpayers.
See " Tens of thousands in Belgium protest over pension reforms, halting air traffic", Charlotte Van Campenhout and Stephanie Lecocq, Reuters, February 13, 2025
US Department of Justice to stop defending independence of FTC, NLRB, letter says
The U.S. Department of Justice will no longer defend laws protecting National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) members from being fired without cause. The DOJ argues these protections are unconstitutional and plans to ask the Supreme Court to overturn the long-standing precedent. Supporters say this would give the president more control over regulatory agencies, while critics warn it could weaken worker protections and consumer rights. The decision follows lawsuits from companies like Amazon and SpaceX challenging the NLRB’s authority. A Supreme Court ruling could reshape the power of independent labor and trade agencies.
See "US Department of Justice to stop defending independence of FTC, NLRB, letter says", Jody Godoy, Reuters, February 13, 2025
As strike continues, King Soopers' union denounces "frivolous" lawsuit by grocery chain seeking restraining order against workers
King Soopers has filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order against striking workers, claiming their actions are unsafe. The union representing the workers, UFCW Local 7, accused the company of using legal tactics to distract from labor issues, including understaffing and poor working conditions. The lawsuit follows a separate federal case filed by King Soopers, alleging the union engaged in coercive and unlawful actions, which the union dismissed as "baseless." Despite the legal battles, the union remains committed to the strike and continues to call for fair labor practices.
See "As strike continues, King Soopers' union denounces "frivolous" lawsuit by grocery chain seeking restraining order against workers", Austen Erblat, CBS News, February 12, 2025
Lori Chavez-DeRemer testifies at Senate confirmation hearing for labor secretary
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Trump’s nominee for labor secretary, is facing a contentious Senate confirmation process due to her pro-labor stance. A former Oregon congresswoman and small business owner, Chavez-DeRemer has supported union-friendly policies, including the PRO Act, which has drawn opposition from many Republicans. However, she has also gained unexpected Democratic support, making her confirmation likely. Her nomination reflects Trump’s strategy to appeal to working-class and union voters, shifting the GOP’s traditional stance on labor. If confirmed, she will oversee key labor issues, including union organizing, remote work, and automation.
See "Lori Chavez-DeRemer testifies at Senate confirmation hearing for labor secretary", Matt Brown, PBS News, February 12, 2025
Trump continues clearout of top US labor officials with fresh firing
President Trump has dismissed Susan Tsui Grundmann, the chair of the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), a White House official confirmed. Grundmann, appointed by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2022, had been serving as chair since 2023. The FLRA oversees labor relations for federal employees, and its members can typically be removed only for specific causes such as inefficiency or misconduct. The decision follows Trump's recent removal of National Labor Relations Board member Gwynne Wilcox, which has led to legal challenges. Grundmann had previously raised concerns about agency funding and staffing.
See "Trump continues clearout of top US labor officials with fresh firing", Michael Sainato, The Guardian, February 12, 2025
Whole Foods Bid to Repel Union Swipes at Hobbled Labor Board
Whole Foods is challenging the certification of a union election victory at one of its Philadelphia stores, arguing that the NLRB lacks the authority to certify results without a quorum. The grocery chain contends that an NLRB rule allowing regional directors to certify elections contradicts the National Labor Relations Act and recent Supreme Court rulings. If the regional director rejects Whole Foods’ argument, the company could take the case to federal court, potentially stalling union certifications nationwide. The United Food and Commercial Workers union accused Whole Foods of attempting to delay bargaining, while labor experts say the challenge could further weaken an already crippled NLRB.
See "Whole Foods Bid to Repel Union Swipes at Hobbled Labor Board", Robert Iafolla, Bloomberg Law, February 11, 2025
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