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The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor is backing a potential strike by LAUSD teachers and school workers amid stalled contract negotiations. Unions are pushing for higher pay, better staffing, and improved working conditions in response to cost-of-living pressures. The support signals broader labor movement involvement, elevating the dispute beyond a single workplace.

Efforts are underway by UK Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski—a London Assembly member known for his pro-worker, left-wing platform—to persuade trade unions to shift political funding away from the Labour Party toward the Greens. The move reflects growing frustration among some union members who feel Labour has not gone far enough on workers’ rights and economic justice. While most major unions remain historically aligned with Labour, internal debates suggest some openness to diversifying political support. The situation highlights a potential shift in traditional labor-party alliances and increased competition for union backing in UK politics.

Rising fuel prices in Australia are straining workers across multiple sectors, particularly home-care workers who must cover travel costs and are effectively losing income. Unions warn this could worsen labor shortages as workers cut hours or leave jobs, especially in essential care services. Farmers, construction workers, and waste services are also facing higher operating costs, leading to reduced activity and delayed hiring.

Around 1,000 workers at Australia’s public broadcaster (ABC) went on strike for the first time in 20 years over pay and working conditions. Employees rejected a proposed wage increase, arguing it did not keep up with inflation and excluded some workers. The strike disrupted programming and highlights tensions over real wages and job security.

Lufthansa and the Verdi union reached a collective bargaining agreement covering over 20,000 ground workers after multiple negotiation rounds. The deal includes a 4.65% wage increase split into two phases, though some workers (in passenger services) will see delayed raises due to business challenges. While this agreement eases tensions with ground staff, ongoing disputes and strikes with pilots and flight attendants highlight continued labor conflict within the airline.

Germany’s chemical workers’ union (IGBCE) reached a collective bargaining agreement with employers to delay wage increases until 2027 due to a weak economic outlook and geopolitical pressures (including war-related energy costs). Instead of immediate raises, workers will receive gradual increases (2.1% in 2027 and 2.4% in 2028). The deal also includes employer contributions to a job security fund. This reflects a cooperative labor-management compromise prioritizing job stability over short-term wage gains.

Spanish airport ground‑handling unions suspended the first planned strike days for Easter weekend, even though additional stoppages are still scheduled in the days ahead. Workers at Groundforce and Menzies had planned walkouts over wage disputes tied to inflation adjustments and pay‑scale implementation. While the initial cancellations reduce immediate disruption, passengers are warned to expect delays, long queues, and baggage issues on the remaining strike dates. Authorities advised travelers to arrive early and monitor flight updates closely.

Appointing longtime NLRB veteran James Murphy as chair of the National Labor Relations Board, has filled a leadership void that left the agency unable to function for much of the previous year. The board had been paralyzed after losing its quorum, delaying case decisions and leaving both workers and employers in limbo. With Murphy and another Republican now sworn in, the NLRB has resumed clearing its backlog, though major reversals of Biden‑era precedents remain unlikely without a third Republican vote. This underscores how the agency’s composition could again shift later in the year as terms expire.

Starbucks and Starbucks Workers United are preparing to restart contract negotiations after a prolonged standoff. Workers had staged strikes to pressure the company into returning to the bargaining table, citing concerns about working conditions and stalled talks. Starbucks’ decision to resume negotiations marks a shift after months of tension, though the union remains cautious about whether the company will commit to meaningful progress. This emphasizes the broader national implications for the fast‑growing union campaign.

Announcing a driver relief program to help offset rising fuel costs, Lyft has included temporary earnings adjustments and incentives for drivers. The move comes as higher gas prices cut into gig workers’ earnings, prompting concerns about financial stability for rideshare drivers. Lyft says the program is meant to support drivers during volatile economic conditions.