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A new federal labor case brought by a Cornell Ph.D. student is challenging the legal foundation that allows graduate student unions at private universities. Russell Burgett contends that he and other students should not be treated as employees under federal law and objects to being bound by a union contract. His complaint targets a 2016 NLRB decision that expanded union powers on campuses and could prompt a reconsideration of that precedent.

A Connecticut state labor board ruled in favor of the Town of Colchester, determining that former finance director Mary Williamson was not entitled to union protections due to her role qualifying as a management position. Located in eastern Connecticut, Colchester had placed Williamson on leave in 2023 following internal investigations. The board found she met the criteria for a department head under state law and dismissed her complaint. Her legal team is considering an appeal.

Amid a surge in federal immigration raids, fear is spreading among those working in U.S. agriculture without legal status. Many report losing income, staying home to avoid arrest, and feeling targeted by policies they say hand too much power to employers. Advocates warn the administration’s approach could erode workers’ rights and disrupt the food supply.

Unexpected job gains in Canada pushed the June unemployment rate down to 6.9%, defying forecasts of an increase. Sectors like wholesale, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing saw notable growth, mostly in part-time roles. Wage growth slowed to 3.2%, which could influence the Bank of Canada’s upcoming rate decision.

Over a thousand State Department employees began receiving termination notices Friday as part of a large-scale workforce reduction. The layoffs follow a Supreme Court decision that allowed the Trump administration to proceed with dismissals across federal agencies. Critics say the cuts jeopardize U.S. diplomatic strength amid escalating global crises.

Sanitation workers in the Boston area have been on strike for nearly a week, demanding improved wages and healthcare from Republic Services. As trash piles up across several towns, the company announced it will meet with Teamsters Local 25 and a federal mediator to resume negotiations. The union accuses Republic of stalling talks and misleading the public about its willingness to bargain.

Hundreds of thousands of workers across India held a one-day nationwide strike protesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic reforms, including privatization efforts and labor law changes. Organized by major trade unions and farmer groups, the strike disrupted coal mining, banking, transportation, and public services. Protesters argue the reforms favor corporations over workers and erode job security and benefits.

A federal appeals panel has paused a lower court’s order that required the government to uphold union contracts for federal employees. This decision allows the Trump administration to disregard collective bargaining agreements at several agencies while the case is under appeal. The Ninth Circuit will hear arguments on July 17.

A major California housing reform passed with unexpected support from the Carpenters union, breaking from other construction unions that opposed the bill. Unlike the Trades Council, which insists on strict union labor standards, the Carpenters backed a more flexible approach to improve pay and conditions for non-union workers. Their stance has deepened divisions within organized labor and raised tensions over wage policies. Lawmakers credited the Carpenters with helping advance long-stalled housing efforts.

Nurses and support staff at McLaren Macomb Hospital in Mount Clemens, Michigan, wrapped up a three-day unfair labor practice strike this week, protesting what they describe as chronic understaffing, unsafe patient conditions, and poverty-level wages. The strike, led by more than 660 members of OPEIU Local 40, ended July 9, though registered nurses say they’ve been locked out until July 12 due to the hospital’s contract with replacement staff. The hospital, located in southeastern Michigan, maintains it meets national care standards and has offered competitive wage increases, but union leaders argue the proposals fall short of ensuring safe staffing. They say they’re prepared to return to the bargaining table after two years of stalled negotiations.