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Starting today, nearly 3 million Australian workers will receive a 3.5% pay raise under the Fair Work Commission’s decision, resulting in a real wage increase above inflation. The Albanese Labor Government advocated for this change, which boosts the national minimum wage and benefits one in four Australian employees—many of whom are low-paid, casual, part-time, or young workers. Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth emphasized the government's commitment to lifting wages to ease cost-of-living pressures.

A day after Sharp HealthCare announced over 300 layoffs, 40 medical office workers across six San Diego County locations voted unanimously to join SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. They join 6,000 other Sharp employees already in the union, many of whom recently secured a contract with pay raises up to 34% and stronger benefits. Workers cited the desire for better patient care and job stability as key reasons for unionizing amid rising economic pressures. The layoffs, largely targeting nonclinical roles, come as the health system struggles with labor costs and declining reimbursements.

Nearly 10,000 Philadelphia municipal workers went on strike Tuesday after contract talks broke down between the city and AFSCME District Council 33, the city’s largest blue-collar union. The walkout is disrupting trash collection, rec center operations, and 911 call centers. Workers are demanding higher wages, better health coverage, and bonuses for essential work during the pandemic. City officials offered a 13% raise over four years, but union members say it’s not enough to match rising living costs. The strike highlights growing frustration among public sector workers seeking livable wages and respect for their service.

Labor leaders are warning that the Senate’s proposed clean energy cuts could trigger massive job losses. Sean McGarvey of North America’s Building Trades Unions called the bill “the biggest job-killing bill in the history of this country,” equating it to canceling over 1,000 Keystone XL pipeline projects. The legislation threatens construction jobs tied to renewable energy by slashing subsidies and imposing new taxes on wind and solar.

Nearly 100,000 California state workers will not be required to return to the office four days a week until July 2026, thanks to a new agreement between the state and SEIU Local 1000 announced Sunday. Governor Gavin Newsom’s original mandate was set to take effect tomorrow, July 1, 2025, but this delay applies to employees represented by the state’s largest union. The deal also protects a 3% raise scheduled for this July and locks in another 3% for 2027. To help meet cost-saving goals, it introduces a two-year 3% personal leave program that reduces take-home pay but grants five hours of monthly leave. No additional furloughs or leave programs can be added during this period.

With a strike deadline looming at midnight tonight, District Council 33 leaders—who represent around 9,000 of Philadelphia’s blue-collar city workers—walked out of contract talks with city officials earlier today. The union is demanding 8% annual raises over four years, while Mayor Cherelle Parker has proposed a total of 12% across that time. If no deal is reached by the end of the day, members say they’re prepared to walk off the job, threatening critical services like 911 dispatch, trash pickup, and airport operations just days before July 4th celebrations. A union rally is set for 5 p.m. this evening.

A new four-year extension to the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement will keep labor peace in place through the 2029-30 season. Reached ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, the deal requires ratification by both team owners and the NHL Players’ Association. Reported changes include expanding the regular season to 84 games while trimming the preseason to four. Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh praised the cooperative tone of negotiations, marking a rare early agreement in a league that’s experienced three lockouts in 30 years.

Democratic nominee for NYC mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has secured endorsements from two major unions—32BJ SEIU and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council—after defeating Andrew Cuomo in the primary. A third group, the New York State Nurses Association, also backed Mamdani. The endorsements, representing over 267,000 workers, signal growing institutional support for the democratic socialist candidate ahead of a potential general election battle with Cuomo, who may still run as an independent. Union leaders praised Mamdani’s focus on affordability, transit, and worker protections.

With stocks hitting record highs, investors are turning their attention to next week’s U.S. jobs report and fiscal developments in Washington. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached new peaks Friday, boosted by hopes for interest-rate cuts, easing Middle East tensions, and trade optimism. Now, markets await Thursday’s employment data—expected to show a slowdown in job growth—and a possible July 4 vote on President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill. Fed policy, inflation, and upcoming corporate earnings will also shape market sentiment as July begins, a historically strong month for equities.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize 360 workers at a Pratt & Whitney engine repair plant in West Virginia. The move reflects broader union efforts to gain ground in southern states, where aerospace companies like Pratt, GE, Boeing, and Airbus are expanding. IAM officials say workers initiated the effort, citing the need for better pay and working conditions. Despite challenges posed by West Virginia’s anti-union laws, IAM sees potential for union momentum to grow in the region if the campaign succeeds.