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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.

Germany’s IG BCE chemical workers’ union agreed to delay planned wage increases due to worsening economic conditions linked to geopolitical conflict and weak industrial demand. Instead of immediate raises, the deal spreads pay increases over a longer period to ease pressure on employers. The compromise reflects concerns about maintaining jobs in a struggling sector.

NYU and its contract faculty union reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, potentially ending a prolonged labor dispute. While full details are still emerging, the deal addresses key union demands related to pay, job security, and working conditions for non-tenure-track faculty. The agreement must still be ratified by union members before taking effect.

Workers at Bath Iron Works in Maine went on strike after rejecting a proposed contract, halting operations at the major shipbuilding facility. Union members are pushing for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, while the company says its offer was competitive. The strike could delay ship production and impact defense-related manufacturing timelines.

New reporting has prompted renewed scrutiny of labor leader César Chávez, with allegations of sexual abuse complicating his legacy. While Chávez remains a central figure in U.S. labor history for organizing farmworkers, critics argue that the movement must reckon with misconduct within its leadership. The discussion has sparked debate over how labor movements balance honoring achievements with addressing past harms.

Japan’s largest labor federation, Rengo, reported that many companies agreed to significant wage increases during annual spring negotiations, marking one of the strongest rounds of pay hikes in years. The raises are aimed at helping workers cope with inflation and boosting domestic consumption. The results suggest growing momentum for labor in Japan after decades of relatively stagnant wages.

Summary:
An Oklahoma House committee voted down a bill that would have expanded employers’ ability to ban marijuana use among employees, even for off-duty consumption. The proposal faced opposition over concerns it would unfairly limit workers’ rights, especially for those legally using medical marijuana. Lawmakers ultimately rejected the measure, leaving existing worker protections in place.