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Prosecutors say Chamel Abdulkarim intentionally set multiple fires inside a Kimberly‑Clark warehouse in Ontario, California, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Investigators allege he filmed himself igniting pallets and later bragged about the destruction, comparing himself to arsonist Luigi Mangione. Abdulkarim faces federal and state arson charges, including aggravated arson for damage exceeding $10 million. Authorities are still examining motive, though messages recovered from his phone referenced anger over workplace issues.

New U.S. unemployment claims rose to 219,000 in early April, a slight increase but still consistent with a strong labor market. Layoffs remain historically low, and continuing claims also fell, suggesting workers are finding new jobs quickly. Economists say the labor market shows no signs of weakening despite geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices. The data reinforces expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates steady until inflation cools further.

Harvard’s graduate student union set April 21 as its strike date after months of stalled negotiations with the university. Union leaders say Harvard has refused to move on wages, international‑student protections, and third‑party arbitration for harassment cases. A strike authorization vote passed with nearly 96% support, signaling strong member backing for escalation. Only one bargaining session remains before the deadline, and the union says a strike will proceed unless Harvard offers meaningful concessions.

Workers at the JBS‑owned Swift Beef plant in Greeley are temporarily halting their strike after the company agreed to resume negotiations. Thousands of employees had walked out in mid‑March over demands for higher wages, improved safety equipment policies, and lower healthcare premiums. The pause does not signal a settlement, as the union says it will continue pushing until JBS addresses what it calls unfair labor practices. The article notes that the strike has national implications because the plant processes roughly 5% of U.S. beef capacity, and prolonged disruption could influence beef prices.

Transport workers across Manila launched a two‑day strike in response to soaring fuel prices that have more than doubled since the outbreak of the Iran war. Drivers of jeepneys, ride‑hailing vehicles, and other public transport say they are unable to feed their families, pay rent, or access promised government cash aid, leaving many on the brink of eviction. Protesters are demanding sweeping government action, including scrapping fuel taxes, reversing deregulation, raising fares, and increasing wages. The strike has caused major delays in one of Asia’s most congested cities, though many commuters expressed sympathy for the workers’ situation.

There is a growing criticism of the British Medical Association after its own employees launched a strike over a 2.75% pay offer that falls well below inflation. While the BMA is demanding a 26% “full pay restoration” for resident doctors, it has told its staff that budget pressures prevent it from offering more, prompting accusations of double standards from the GMB union. The dispute unfolded as tens of thousands of resident doctors in England began a six‑day walkout, rejecting a government proposal that would have raised their pay by an average of 4.9%. Government officials argue that doctors have already received substantial increases in recent years, while BMA leaders say the offer still fails to address long‑term pay erosion.

The White House announced that President Donald Trump has instructed the Department of Homeland Security to distribute back pay to all federal employees affected by the recent government shutdown. According to the report, the directive aims to ensure that workers receive compensation promptly after weeks of uncertainty. The administration framed the move as a step toward restoring stability following the shutdown’s operational disruptions. The article also notes that the order covers both essential and furloughed personnel.

The National Labor Relations Board has ruled that Amazon is legally required to bargain with the Amazon Labor Union representing workers at the JFK8 warehouse in Staten Island. This decision rejects Amazon’s long‑running challenge to the union’s 2022 election victory, which the company argued was tainted by misconduct. The ruling reinforces the union’s status despite years of litigation, though Amazon is expected to continue appealing. The article notes that the case is one of the most high‑profile labor disputes involving the company.

Malaysia has announced that federal civil servants will shift to working from home on certain days as part of a national effort to cut electricity consumption and reduce government spending. The policy is framed as a response to rising energy costs and the need for more efficient public‑sector operations. Officials emphasized that essential services will continue in person, but administrative roles can be performed remotely without disruption. The government also signaled that the measure may expand if it proves effective.

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.